This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in removing lead (Pb) from aqueous solutions under field conditions in Samawah, southern Iraq, from January 16 to February 17, 2026. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replicates, and three lead concentrations (5, 10, and 25 mg/L), in addition to a control treatment.
The results showed that water hyacinth achieved high lead removal efficiency, ranging from 63.62% to 71.05%, with a significant increase in removal efficiency as the initial lead concentration increased. The pH values remained relatively stable within the range of 7.19–7.27, providing suitable conditions for lead precipitation and adsorption. The electrical conductivity (EC) showed only minor changes, reflecting variations in dissolved ion concentrations, without affecting the system's stability.
The results also showed that lead accumulated in both plant tissues and bottom sediments, with accumulation being greater in the sediments. This suggests that both phytoextraction and phytostabilization mechanisms contribute to the removal process. Algal growth was also observed during the experiment, which may have enhanced removal efficiency due to synergistic interactions within the ecosystem.
Overall, the study confirms that water hyacinth is an effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method for treating lead-contaminated water under local environmental conditions.