ABSTRACT
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic, free-floating invasive plant found in all Asian regions. Though it is difficult to eradicate, its effective utilization will pave the way for better management of the species. E. crassipes, which form a dense mat on water bodies, can be used as a reliable source for biofuel production because of their accessibility and high yield. Aquatic plants are remarkably efficient in eliminating organic and inorganic pollutants present in water. E. crassipes is an effective tool for the treatment of wastewater and removal of contaminants. Presence of heavy metals in water or land area is hazardous to all living organisms, including human beings. Phytoremediation has emerged as a cost-effective green technology with enduring applicability. E. crassipes is known for its remarkable potential of phytoaccumulation of toxic metals like Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Zn, Pb, As, and Cd. The plant can also be used for the production of biofuel. The plants that possess the potential for both phytoremediation and biofuel production can ideally be used for the redemption of sites polluted with heavy metals. After the completion of the phytoaccumulation process, the biomass of the plant material can be utilized as a raw material for the synthesis of bioenergy and, thereby, it prevents the entry of the contaminated plant or the toxic components present in the plant into the food chain. E. crassipes is one of the best options that can be sustainably utilized for this purpose without much investment. It also provides the added benefit of reducing the competition for the land area, unlike the other bioenergy crops.
