The problem of water hyacinth in rivers and canals

The important problem of water hyacinth (Eichhornia spp.) growing in rivers and canals is well known. In Egypt, Eichhornia crassipes is the species which widely covers the Nile and canals. The removal of water hyacinth plants by hand or by mechanical means which is the usual practice in Egypt is costly, furthermore, the removed plants are usually left on the banks to create other problems.