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Water Hyacinth (Image: biologie.uni-hamburg.de) |
Water hyacinth originates from Venezuela, South America, and is currently distributed in over 50 countries worldwide. In Vietnam, locals still harvest water hyacinth to use as feed for pigs.
Water hyacinth belongs to the family Pontederiaceae, characterized by its sponge-like stem, which contains air pockets, allowing it to grow upright or drift along the water. It blooms in summer, with inflorescences containing 6 to 12 flowers, featuring trumpet-shaped petals that are purple and divided into six segments. The leaves are round or oval, with a swollen base near the stem.
The most significant contribution of water hyacinth to humanity is its ability to purify water and break down toxic substances. Experiments have shown that one hectare of water surface populated with water hyacinth can absorb 34 kg of sodium, 22 kg of calcium, 17 kg of phosphorus, 4 kg of manganese, 2.1 kg of phenol, 89 g of mercury, 104 g of aluminum, 297 g of lead, 321 g of strontium, and more within 24 hours. It also has a strong capacity to absorb and accumulate zinc. In an experiment where water hyacinth was placed in a basin of dirty water containing 10 mg of zinc per liter, it accumulated 133% more zinc in its tissues than normal plants over 38 days. Additionally, water hyacinth can break down phenol and cyanide.
Water hyacinth reproduces rapidly; a single plant can produce up to 1,000 offspring in just two months. It is rich in nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it excellent green fodder for livestock. According to experiments, one hectare of water can yield 1.5 tons of water hyacinth, sufficient to meet the green feed needs of over 30 pigs. Water hyacinth can also be used for green manure, biogas production, and as a raw material for paper-making.
In addition to water hyacinth, other aquatic plants such as duckweed, algae, and reed also have water purification capabilities.
Water Hyacinth Flowers (Image: nationaalherbarium.nl)
