8: THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF WATER HYACINTH IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT IN NEPAL

River pollution is one of the major environmental problems in Nepal, due mainly to the direct discharge of sewage from urban areas. The situation is displeasing in the Kathmandu Valley — a few conventional wastewater treatment facilities exist, but they are either inefficient or abandoned. Modern and advanced wastewater treatment facilities are too expensive for developing countries like Nepal. The water hyacinth is known as the world's most unwelcomed flora due to its invasive nature. Environmental, social and economic problems would emerge wherever water hyacinth proliferates. However, numerous studies have revealed many beneficial aspects of the plant species. The plant has already been widely used for different purposes like composting, substrate for mushroom farming, nutritious food for cattle, feed for biogas generation, protein synthesis, fibers for furniture, and wastewater treatment throughout the world. This research investigated the possibility of using water hyacinth for wastewater treatment in Nepal, based on its beneficial qualities. Its ability to reduce pollutants and improve water quality suggests the plant's potential as a low cost option for domestic wastewater treatment in Nepal for the larger population.