Threats, management and envisaged utilizations of aquatic weed Eichhornia crassipes: an overview

摘要

Eichhornia crassipes or water hyacinth is a free-floating plant, growing plentifully in the tropical water bodies. This invasive weed poses multiple hazards ranging from ecological and economical to social. It tends to endanger biodiversity, cause eutro-phication, shelter pests, clog fresh waterways, affect agriculture and aquaculture, hamper shipping and recreational activities. Existing control methods have been insufficient to contain its aggressive propagation. Recently, it has been envisaged that successful utilization of this weed can solve the associated problems associated with them. It is being speculated that the huge biomass can be used in waste water treatment, heavy metal and dye remediation, as substrate for bioefhanol and biogas production, electricity generation, industrial uses, human food and antioxidants, medicines, feed, agriculture and sustainable development. Towards this quest many approaches have been undertaken and partial success is achieved. If harnessed properly, this weed-based green technology can solve many of the issues our society faces now. In this context, the papers published in recent years have been reviewed, with the objective of creating public awareness and bolstering management and utilization of this cumbersome invasive weed.