Options for the Utilization of Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart.) – An Update

Nimal R. Chandrasena

Keywords:

Water hyacinth; Eichhornia crassipes; utilization; ‘Living with Weeds’, colonizing species

Abstract:

The focus of this article is the utilization potential of the globally important species - water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart.), which has spread across continents and is now naturalized in most continents. Water hyacinth (WH) can be a menace in waterways, but it also offers a variety of utilization benefits for humans and animals. Learning from history, a fresh ‘re-think’ is needed to deal with WH, which is a highly successful species. Instead of focusing solely on its adverse effects, weed research must focus on the future management of the species that pragmatically integrates its utilization to meet ecological goals, as well as economic, societal and cultural needs. This review finds several areas of WH utilization that must be explored further for wider application. They include the nutrient removal capacity that has been well developed in the USA but not elsewhere and the phytoremediation potential of the species to extract industrial pollutants. Other applications as low-cost raw materials have enormous but unheralded benefits that cannot be ignored in countries where WH is currently naturalized and is thriving. WH, a colonial legacy that has affected all continents, is no more ‘invasive’ than we humans are. Its extraordinary capacity for growth can help in healing the wounds on the earth, torn apart by human activities. The species offers a glimpse of human follies in mismanaging our biological resources and the environment. The compelling evidence of utilization potential offers hope for societies to benefit from water hyacinth’s incredible capacities to overcome obstacles and produce biomass that can be put to multiple uses. The species represents the dilemmas human societies face with colonizing species but also exemplifies future options that should not be ignored further