Evaluation of water hyacinth utility through geospatial mapping and in-situ biomass estimation approach: case study of Deepor beel (wetland), Assam, India

Abstract As an invasive species, water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) are known to progressively proliferate and cause the ecological invasions of aquatic environment. Their incursions not only cause the disappearance of native species but gradually degrades the natural habitats of freshwater regimes. The control and management of these species is laborious task, however, transforming weed into wealth can substantially serve a sustainable approach to reduce the efforts. Therefore, the present study intends to utilise the application of geospatial techniques for mapping the water hyacinths growth in the Deepor beel (wetland) of Assam, India. Sentinel based image analysis has shown that pre-monsoon seasons has encountered massive productivity and area coverage of water hyacinth, whereas in post-monsoon seasons, productivity of water hyacinths reduces to half. Furthermore, in-situ biomass estimation of the water hyacinths samples same around the productive season has been collected and analysed 6 kg (green biomass) and 1 kg (dry biomass after sun-dried). Finally, this hybrid approach evaluated the production and revenue generation from Moorhen yoga mat (handicraft item) made from the dried water hyacinths. After assuming the actual availability of 50% of total mass yield of water hyacinths, around ~ 0.8 million (8.8 lakhs) yoga mats can be commercially produced within the most productive seasons. The revenue generation from the yoga mat in the domestic and international markets evaluated around US $ 12.79 million (Rs. 105.85 Crore) and US $ 15.99 million (Rs. 132.31 crore), respectively from a single productive season. Thus, applicative intent of this study can boost potential market in Assam, renovate the weed waste of water hyacinth into wealth generation, and sustainably support the livelihoods of the local communities.