• Khusboo Kashyap
• Arpana Sinha
• Akshay Kumar Verma

In this research paper, we explored the effect of aquatic plant density on the efficiency of heavy metal removal from polluted surface water in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and mining activities in the region have led to elevated concentrations of toxic heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in local water bodies, posing significant risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Phytoremediation using aquatic plants has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective method to mitigate such pollution. This study specifically investigated how varying densities of commonly occurring aquatic macrophytes—Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce), and Lemna minor (duckweed)—influence the removal of these metals. Controlled mesocosm experiments were conducted with three density levels: low (25%), medium (50%), and high (75%) over a 21-day period. Water samples were collected at regular intervals and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Results demonstrated a clear positive correlation between plant density and removal efficiency. High-density treatments achieved maximum reductions of 82.4% for Pb, 78.6% for Cd, and 74.3% for Cr. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed that density significantly affects phytoremediation performance (p < 0.05). The findings indicate that optimizing plant density is crucial for effective heavy metal removal and highlight the practical potential of aquatic macrophytes as an eco-friendly solution for restoring polluted water bodies in Ranchi and similar urban-industrial environments.

Aquatic plants, Plant density, Heavy metals, Phytoremediation, & Lead etc.

"EFFECT OF AQUATIC PLANT DENSITY ON THE EFFICIENCY OF HEAVY METAL REMOVAL FROM POLLUTED SURFACE WATER IN RANCHI", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no.a44-a50, November-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511006.pdf

"EFFECT OF AQUATIC PLANT DENSITY ON THE EFFICIENCY OF HEAVY METAL REMOVAL FROM POLLUTED SURFACE WATER IN RANCHI", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no. ppa44-a50, November-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511006.pdf