New wonder plant catches nutrients from wastewater and may be the new, cleaner ethanol

Research funded by the North Carolina Biofuels Center suggests that duckweed could turn into the major industrial crop of the 21st century. It boasts the dual abilities to flourish in wastewater, uptaking nutrients before they leach or volatilize (purifying water in the process), and to produce 5 or 6 times the amount of starch as corn – making it a superior candidate for alternative energy.

Researchers see potential for the small aquatic plant to play a major role in cleaning up animal waste at industrial hog farms, producing energy in the process. Full story: North Carolina State University