Journal of Biology and Today's World

Aquatic Plant Biomass: A Sustainable Resource for Water Purification and Carbon Sequestration

Dong Weiran^{* *}Correspondence: Dong Weiran, Department of Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, Email:

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Description

The search for sustainable resources and methods for ecological restoration has grown more pressing as environmental issues like water pollution and climate change worsen. Aquatic plants have attracted attention for their potential in carbon sequestration and water purification. They include a broad spectrum of species, from submerged vegetation to floating and emergent plants. This paper explores the many uses of aquatic plant biomass, with particular attention to how it may enhance water quality and act as a carbon sink to support the resilience and health of ecosystems.

The role of aquatic plants in water purification

An essential part of cleaning up water bodies is the work of aquatic plants. These plants improve the general health of aquatic habitats by nutrient intake, sediment stabilization and biological filtration, among other functions. Water filtration is mostly achieved by aquatic plants by absorbing excess nutrients, mainly phosphate and nitrogen. Nutrient over-enrichment, or eutrophication, causes toxic algal blooms that can lower oxygen levels and generate toxins that are bad for both human health and aquatic life. These nutrients are taken up by aquatic plants from the water, which lowers their concentrations and lessens the effects of eutrophication. Some species have shown exceptional capacities to absorb heavy metals and nutrients, such as cattails (Typha spp.) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which in turn improves the quality of the water. Beneficial bacteria that further improve water purification through microbial processes find a home in the root systems of these plants. Moreover, aquatic plants' physical makeup has the ability to hold onto silt and other debris, which keeps contaminants from building up in bodies of water and encourages cleaner water.

Aquatic plants are important for carbon sequestration in addition to their ability to purify water, which makes them essential for reducing the effects of climate change. Aquatic plants photosynthesis, taking in carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and transforming it into organic matter, much like terrestrial plants do. In addition to lowering atmospheric CO₂ levels, this process helps create biomass, which has the capacity to store carbon for a variety of lengths of time. Aquatic plants have the ability to store carbon in both their tissues and the sediments that support them. In sediments, where organic matter may linger for extended periods of time, aquatic plants particularly rooted species found in wetlands and shallow water environments contribute greatly to the storage of carbon. Sea grass meadows have been found to have the ability to sequester carbon at a rate that is up to 35 times higher than tropical rainforests. Sea grasses, or marine flowering plants, are an important component of coastal carbon sinks because of the carbon stored in their biomass.

Aquatic plant biomass may be managed sustainably to optimize its advantages for carbon sequestration and water filtration. In order to increase nutrient absorption and boost water quality, one strategy is to cultivate particular aquatic plant species in artificial wetlands or aquaculture systems. To efficiently handle wastewater, storm water and runoff, these systems may be incorporated into urban or agricultural environments.

A sustainable resource for companies, collected aquatic plant biomass may also be used in a variety of ways. One way to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion is using the biomass from aquatic plants. This reduces waste and produces green energy. This creates a closed-loop system that improves soil health and water quality. The leftover digestate may then be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for crops. Biomass from aquatic plants may be used to produce textiles, paper and bio plastics, among other bio based products, in addition to energy. We may financially incentivise the production and preservation of aquatic plants while encouraging environmentally friendly, sustainable practices by investigating novel applications for them.

Conclusion

Aquatic plant biomass is a valuable and sustainable resource that has the ability to significantly improve water quality and sequester carbon. We can promote biodiversity and ecosystem health while addressing urgent environmental issues by using the ecological roles of aquatic plants. Aquatic plants have the potential to significantly contribute to improving the quality of our water supplies and constructing resilience against climate change via thoughtful management and creative application. The advantages of aquatic plant biomass are becoming more and more apparent and maintaining and repairing aquatic ecosystems is essential to ensuring a sustainable future.