Water hyacinth - Water purifier

Water hyacinth (Photo: biologie.uni-hamburg.de)

Water hyacinth originating from Venezuela, South America is currently distributed in more than 50 countries around the world. In Vietnam, people still use water hyacinth to feed pigs.

Water hyacinths (Pontederiaceae), spongy stems develop, air-filled air bags should be herbaceous plants, growing vertically or drifting with water. Summer flowers bloom, self-flowering flowers have 6-12 flowers, purple petals, horn speakers, tight 6. Round or egg-shaped leaves, under the petiole enlarged.

The biggest contribution of water hyacinth to humans is to purify the water, to dissolve the poison. The experiment showed that 1 ha of water surface dropped water hyacinth, within 24 hours it attracted 34kg Na, 22kg Ca, 17 kg P, 4kg Mn, 2.1kg Phenol, 89g Hg, 104g Al, 297g nickel, 321g Stronti, . It also has a strong ability to absorb and accumulate zinc. Water hyacinth experiment in a basin of dirty water contains 10mg of zinc / 1 liter, in 38 days the amount of zinc accumulated in the body is 133% higher than normal plants. In addition, water hyacinth has the ability to dissolve phenol and cyanide.

Water hyacinth has a very strong reproductive power, a water hyacinth plant for 2 months can produce a herd of up to 1000 individuals. Water hyacinth contains many nutrients such as protit, gluxite, vitamins and minerals, which are good for green feed for cattle. According to the experiment, 1 ha of water surface can collect 1.5 tons of water hyacinth, enough for green food for more than 30 pigs. Water hyacinth can also compost green manure, make biogas and make paper materials.

In addition to water hyacinth, there are some other water hyacinths, seaweed, reeds, . also capable of cleaning water.

Water hyacinth flower (Photo: nationaalherbarium.nl)