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@article{183513,
        author = {Alka Rai},
        title = {Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes): Not Only An Invasive Weed with Hazard For Aquatic Ecosystem But Also A Useful Resourse of Sustainable Products},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {3},
        pages = {2125-2135},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=183513},
        abstract = {Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is one of the world's most invasive aquatic plants. Native to the Amazon Basin, this free-floating perennial has rapidly spread across tropical and subtropical regions, severely impacting aquatic ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. While it poses numerous ecological and management challenges, water hyacinth also presents opportunities for utilization. This paper reviews the biology, environmental and socio-economic impacts, control methods, and emerging uses of water hyacinth, advocating for an integrated approach to manage and harness its potential.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), has posed significant ecological, economic, and social challenges in freshwater ecosystems globally. Originating from South America, the plant’s rapid proliferation in tropical and subtropical regions—fueled by nutrient pollution and climate change—has disrupted aquatic biodiversity, impeded water transport, and affected livelihoods dependent on fishing and irrigation. This article examines the causes and consequences of water hyacinth infestations across various global case studies, including Lake Victoria in East Africa, Loktak Lake in India, and Laguna de Bay in the Philippines. It also explores the range of control strategies implemented—biological, mechanical, chemical, and community-based approaches—highlighting both successes and limitations. Furthermore, the paper reviews innovative uses of water hyacinth in bioenergy, handicrafts, and wastewater treatment, absorbant in a sanitary pad instead of sap gel, proposing a shift from viewing it solely as a problem to considering it a potential economic resource. The study underscores the need for integrated management and local community engagement to ensure long-term control and sustainable utilization.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) presents both a major aquatic ecosystem challenge and a potential opportunity for rural development in many regions of India. Its rapid spread in freshwater bodies disrupts local livelihoods by obstructing fishing, navigation, irrigation, and access to clean water. However, recent community-driven initiatives and research have begun to reframe the plant as a resource that can support rural economies. This article explores the dual role of water hyacinth in rural development. It examines how local communities have responded through small-scale enterprises such as handicrafts, composting, livestock feed, small scale industries for the production of sanitary pads and biogas production. The paper also discusses the importance of integrating traditional knowledge, decentralized management, and capacity building to transform water hyacinth control from a public burden into an opportunity for income generation and environmental restoration. The study concludes that with appropriate support and innovation, water hyacinth can become a driver of rural resilience and sustainable development.},
        keywords = {Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Bioenergy, Absorbant, Economic resource, Environmental restoration, Sustainable development.},
        month = {August},
        }