The Invasive Aquatic Macrophyte, Water Hyacinth {Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solm-Laubach: Pontedericeae}: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) which have been described as the most troublesome weed in the world have been linked to several problems like obstruction to water transportation, micro-habitat for disease vectors, obstruction to fishing and reduction in biodiversity. However, recent studies have also shown that this macrophyte can be used for the production of paper, biogas, fertilizer, fish feed and in the clean-up of polluted environment (phytoremediation). It becomes important to fully harness the potentials of this aquatic macrophyte, which could change its status from a weed to an income-generating plant.