Water Hyacinth - Effective Remediation for Heavy Metal Pollution

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) is a fast-growing aquatic plant considered as a weed when growth is not controlled. Heavy metal pollution in water bodies is increasing at alarming rate, reducing the quality of water bodies. Water hyacinth is typical example for hyper accumulators of heavy metals. Research studies shows that Eichhornia crassipes was able to accumulate chromium in its shoots at 223 times and zinc at 134 times than the concentration in the water. The presence of potential metal sites mainly on stems and roots makes the hyacinth a good tool for heavy metal extraction. The microorganisms associated with roots helps to do the transition of heavy metals by producing enzymes. It is not advisable to use the water hyacinth for compost making if it’s growing in contaminated water bodies.