How a noxious aquatic weed was used to make eco-friendly products, generate employment in rural Bengal

What is the News?

Earth Trust Organization in West Bengal uses Water Hyacinth stems in preparing the biodegradable paper and other environmentally friendly daily-use products.

What is Water Hyacinth?

Water hyacinth scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae) is an aquatic weed common in water bodies across South Asia including India. 

It is not an indigenous species but was introduced to India during the British colonial rule as an ornamental aquatic plant from South America. 

The plant produces beautiful purple flowers that have high aesthetic value. 

Uses: The plant is a good phytoremediation species, suggesting it has the ability to trap and remove toxic metabolites and harmful heavy metals from water. But more research needs to be conducted to find suitable use for the notorious weed.

Invasive Species: Water hyacinth is considered invasive because it grows rapidly and can form thick layers over the water.These mats shade out the other aquatic plants.Eventually these shaded plants die and decay.The decaying process depletes the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. As oxygen levels decline, many fish are unable to survive. Often the waters below water hyacinth masses become devoid of life.

How is the Water Hyacinth plant being utilized effectively?

Earth Trust Organization in West Bengal uses Water Hyacinth stems in preparing biodegradable paper, designing biodegradable cups, plates, boxes, and other environmentally friendly daily-use products.

These products are cheaper and can serve as an alternative for plastic and thermocol cups, plates, dishes and glasses.

Hence, a dedicated network of business entrepreneurs has been developed for water hyacinth-based products serving both economy and ecology together in an integrated fashion.

Source: The post is based on the article “How a noxious aquatic weed was used to make eco-friendly products, generate employment in rural Bengal” published in DTE on 22nd June 2022.