Effective utilization of an aquatic weed in an eco-friendly treatment of polluted water bodies

World’s most troublesome aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has been studied for its tendency to accumulate the heavy metal contaminants present in water bodies. A thorough chemical investigation has shed light on the fact that it accumulates heavy metals like Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) to a large extent. The presence of higher concentration of these metals in the aquatic weed signifies bio-magnification that lead to filtration of metallic ions from polluted water. The concept that water hyacinth can be used as a natural aquatic treatment system in the uptake of heavy metals is explored.