Water hyacinth is often seen as a serious problem in lakes and rivers around the world. The fast-growing invasive plant can clog waterways, block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels, and harm native wildlife. Managing large infestations is difficult and expensive, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where the plant spreads quickly.
Now, researchers are exploring whether this problematic plant might also offer some benefits. A new study suggests that water hyacinths could help remove microplastics from freshwater. Scientists found that the plants trapped tiny plastic particles in their roots, potentially helping clean up polluted waterways.
In the experiment, researchers placed water hyacinths in tanks containing microplastics and observed how the particles clung to the plant roots. After just four days, the plants removed more than half of the microplastics from the water.
While more research is needed, this study adds to the growing interest in finding new ways to manage invasive aquatic plants and fight plastic pollution in lakes and rivers.