Chemical and Nutritional Composition of Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) Plant from Different Sources in Cape Coast, Ghana - A Preliminary Study

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Abstract Water lettuce is found growing in several water bodies in Ghana, reaching pest levels in certain locations. They often pose negative effects on their aquatic life and water quality. Attempts at eradication have proven difficult and expensive, although utilization as animal feed has been reported elsewhere. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional and chemical compositions of water lettuce plants obtained from different water bodies in Cape Coast: freshwater (Kakum River), saline water (Fosu Lagoon), and Wastewater (Residential Areas). The water lettuce samples were harvested on the same days from the various water bodies from August to December, 2013, using seine nets. Proximate compositions of the whole plant, its parts were determined, as well as the heavy metal content of the whole plant. In addition, samples of water from the various water bodies were analyzed for heavy metal content. Data obtained from the study were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat statistical software (fourth edition). Results from the study indicated that the heavy metal contents of the plants and the water bodies from which they were harvested were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the maximum permissible levels set by the European Commission. The crude protein contents were higher in the leaves of the plant than in the corresponding stems and roots. The leaves had higher crude protein and fats, but had lower fibre content than the other parts of the plant. Findings from this study indicate that water lettuce has potential for use as livestock feed. It is recommended that preliminary feeding trial with various species of livestock in Ghana be undertaken to determine its effects on growth and carcass parameters.

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