**7. Techno-economic analysis via valorization of WH**

Ecological and economic assessments are influenced significantly by the feasibility analysis of environmental solutions for the valorization of WH at the industrial level. The objective of WH valorization into value-added products is to use an optimistic approach to addressing the threat of WH infestation while also meeting economic and environmental benefits. The techno-economic feasibility analysis of WH valorization for value-added material recovery practiced in different countries was appraised, as indicated in **Table 5**. The economic feasibility models used were more realistic and consistent with potential changes in future cash flow and discount rates because, unlike existing control approaches, costs and revenues of valorization technologies are intrinsic. In most cases, net present value (NPV) is used, which basically uses the current discount rate to identify the monetary value and support the sensitivity of future cash flow and exchange rate changes [27, 28, 90, 91]. Also, parameters that do not take into account the time value of money, such as life cycle analysis (LCA), return on assets (ROA), payback periods, profit margin, and internal rate of return


*Invasive Water Hyacinth Challenges, Opportunities, Mitigation, and Policy Implications… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.106779*

> **Table 5.** *Techno-economic*

 *feasibility of WH valorization*

 *into bioenergy (bioethanol*

 *and biogas).* (IRR) are used [6, 25, 27, 92]. Various studies have used more than one feasibility model to compensate for the drawbacks of each model in quantifying and identifying costs and revenues from cost savings of valorization strategies [6, 25, 27, 28, 90–92].

The potential economic advantages of valorizing WH biomass are not intended to promote the spread of the invasive plant. Instead, they are meant to reduce the negative consequences and costs of controlling it. Bioenergy production such as bioethanol, biogas, and fuel briquettes has long been one of the most popular alternatives of WH valorization; experimentally justified and economically feasible options [6, 25]. In this regard, It is not the only sustainable solution for WH eradication; it also contributes to the energy mix, and fertilizer mix, increase food security, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and improves water quality and livelihoods in riparian communities. Small and independent industries can utilize the new energy resources to cut their energy expenditure while utilizing the available waste streams means that no additional waste management costs are incurred. This allows communities to sustain their small industries, while local green jobs are created, eventually leading to wealth creation.

In addition, encouraging appropriate incentives for lowering feed costs, such as utilizing WH biomass, may benefit rural livelihoods that rely on livestock farming. Rural populations impacted by the WH invasion can be honored by using the plant for animal rearing, whether on a commercial or personal basis, because of the many options of employing the plant for animal feed. That could imply that controlling WH as feed could be done in a sustainable way to generate value, benefit society, and ensure long-term food security. [16, 65, 66].

Moreover, making handicrafts from WH biomass is becoming an appropriate technique to combine economic rewards and social empowerment while employing a plant that has traditionally been viewed simply as a problem [93]. The strategy can lower poverty levels associated with a lack of available jobs by creating new and green jobs for green development; to providing the community with the capacity to deal with environmental challenges. The opportunity to make biofertilizers from WH biomass should be appealing enough for affected riparian populations to use WH composting for soil amendment, which will help to ensure long-term food security [16]. As a result, WH waste can be adequately mitigated, and increased crop production will help improve the livelihoods of the local people.
