The Biobrio 4(1 & 2), 2017

WATER HYACINTH: A BOON FOR MANKIND

Hem Kant Jha and Bijay S Singh

ABSTRACT:

Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) Solms., the most dominant, persistent, obnoxious and troublesome aquatic weed was firstly introduced in Indian sub-continent as an ornamental plant from Brazil in 1896. It has been proved to be an economic drain posing ecological and economical problems for decades. The dense and massive growth of this plant obstructs water flow in irrigation channels, interferes with navigation and hydroelectric power generation along with quality detoriation of fresh water supply. In addition to its obnoxious nature, its utilization for combating aquatic pollution and resource recovery cannot be ignored besides its application in the field of food, feed, fibres, fuels and fertilizers. This invasive aquatic weed has been proved to be boon for human civilization due to presence of high energy and protein content in its stolon. Its utilization not only solves the environmental problems but it is used as a low cost treatment technology for absorbing various kinds of pollutants like heavy metals and organic wastes from water and improves the water quality. The present paper deals with assessment of this invasive plant in controlling water pollution and improving its quality.

Keywords:    

Water Hyacinth, Pollution, Utilization, Environmental

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