WATER HYACINTH

A study should be carried out on the retention pond in Taman Lintang Makmur, Sungai Siput which has been completely covered with water hyacinth. Water hyacinth affect the ecology but its has industrial utilization too.

Water hyacinth is often problematic in man-made ponds if uncontrolled, but can also provide a food source for gold fish, keep water clean and help to provide oxygen to man-made ponds.

The water hyacinth dramatically impacts water flow, blocks sunlight for aquatic plants and starves the water of oxygen. Where the weed is prolific, there is a general increase in several diseases, as the weed creates excellent breeding areas for mosquitoes and other insects.

There are other uses being found for the abundant plants e.g. cattle food and bio-gas production. Recently, they have begun to be used in wastewater treatment due to their fast growth and ability to tolerate high levels of pollution. Parts of the plant are also used in the production of traditional handicrafts in Southeast Asia.

Since the plant has abundant nitrogen content, it can be used a substrate for bio-gas production and the sludge obtained from the bio-gas. However, due to easy accumulation of toxins, the plant is prone to get contaminated when used as feed.