The Economic Importance and Potential of Mistletoe in Water Purification: A Survey of Ikono Local Government Area

Abstract

The economic importance of mistletoe (Viscum spp) in water purification within Ikono local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was conducted between March to May 2025. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the economic importance of mistletoe in water treatment, its effectiveness, knowledge of its uses in removing contaminants from water, its potential economic benefits, and highlights on the role of indigenous knowledge in water treatment. The result of this study shows 80% of respondents indicating their awareness of mistletoe prior to the survey. Among the various uses of mistletoe, the medicinal application was common, with 43.3% of respondents utilizing mistletoe for herbal remedies. Other notable uses included agriculture (25%), cultural practices (20%), and a smaller proportion (11.7%) employing mistletoe in water treatment. Regarding water treatment, only a quarter of the respondents (25%) reported using mistletoe for this purpose. Nevertheless, only about one-third of respondents viewed mistletoe as a sustainable resource for water management. There is need for increased public education, scientific research validation, cultivation and sensitization to fully realize the future benefits and use of mistletoe. This survey highlights the diverse roles of mistletoe within Ikono local Government Area, particularly in medicinal and cultural contexts. While its use in water treatment is currently limited, understanding and promoting its applications could bring additional benefits for the community.