Water plant could help solve energy problem

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An excess of plants growing on top of the water has been a problem in lakes and ponds around our area, but one of those plants just could be the solution to an energy problem.

It’s called duckweed. It’s a small green plant that floats on top of water. Duckweed commonly grows throughout our area, and experts say it happens to be a good candidate for ethanol production.

“North Carolina and the nation have been looking for non-food sources for biofuels, and this is a perfect one,” said Airlie Gardens Environmental Education Matt Collogan.

Not only could this plant be used for energy, it may also be able to clean up some of the area’s dirtiest waters. Coming up on WWAY NewsChannel 3 at 6 p.m., we’ll share the plan Collogan has to make our corner of the state cleaner and greener.