Sustainable bio-valorisation of water hyacinth for enhancing rural livelihood and achieving sustainable development goals

Water Hyacinth (WH) is an invasive species due to its high adaptability to diverse freshwater ecosystems. However, rapid growth and global distribution it offers potential utilization as a biomass feedstock. This includes production of biofuels, biofertilizers, bioplastics, animal and fish feed, briquettes, biochar, handicrafts, and sanitary napkins. This systematic review employs bibliometric analysis from Web of Science to examine growing research trends on WH, its potential development into diverse bio-based products. Various conversion pathways, including anaerobic digestion, fermentation, transesterification, composting, vermicomposting, pyrolysis, and pelletization, have been identified as feasible approaches for transforming WH biomass into a wide range of value-added products. The findings further highlight that these innovations contribute significantly to women's empowerment by generating rural economic opportunities while simultaneously decreasing dependence on conventional, non-renewable resources. This review also underscores the potential of WH as a next-generation resource for advancing Sustainable Development Goals through the production of biobased by-products.