The invasive aquatic macrophyte weed - Eichhornia: Its management, bioremediation potential, and valorisation

Abstract

Aquatic macrophytes, with their diverse capabilities, hold significant promise for addressing and minimizing persistent and bioaccumulative inorganic and organic pollutants such as heavy metals, explosive and radioactive materials, petroleum hydrocarbons, emerging contaminant-microplastics, and physico-chemical parameters. Among these, water hyacinth (WH-Eichhornia crassipes), while its unchecked proliferation in freshwater makes it one of the most problematic aquatic weeds globally, has emerged as a key player and an excellent candidate for phytoremediation due to its rapid growth and ability to absorb nutrients effectively. Harnessing the potential of this macrophyte is essential, not only for managing its invasive nature but also for its role as a bio-indicator of water contamination. Additionally, WH can be repurposed into a variety of valuable products, such as biodegradable paper, organic fertilizers, biogas, biohydrogen, fiber, charcoal briquetting, animal fodder, nanocellulose, composites, and fish feed. Recognizing its ecological benefits, edible or medicinal properties, and potential to become a cultivated plant itself, it is proposed to shift the concept of a weed from an undesirable plant to a potentially valuable and income-generating plant, supporting the Sustainable Development and circular bioeconomy goals. Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things can lead to investigating socioeconomic impacts of WH and its management through automated harvesting systems, bioenergy production and wastewater treatment. For the first time, this comprehensive review aims to explore various management strategies for WH, including ethnobotanical knowledge and community-driven measures, predicting its expansion and harvest using AIOT, its applications in the development of a variety of value-added products, and bioremediating water bodies.