This work examines the feasibility of fuelling biodiesel derived from water hyacinth in a compression ignition engine. This work also proposes water hyacinth biodiesel (WHB) as a potential alternative energy source since the above species is available extensively in freshwater, marine and aquatic ecosystems throughout the world. WHB was blended with petroleum diesel fuel at various volume proportions of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 100% and their properties were analyzed as per ASTM standards for its application as biofuel in diesel engine. The prepared test fuels were analyzed experimentally in a single cylinder diesel engine at constant speed (1500 rev/min) for its performance, combustion and emission characteristics. Test results projected that, the characteristics of 20% WHB +80% diesel fuel blend was in par with neat diesel fuel in terms of thermal efficiency, HC, CO and smoke emissions. However, WHB blends resulted in slightly higher levels of CO2 and NOx emissions. At full load, the attained cylinder pressure and heat release rate of WHB blends were closer to the diesel fuel. Thus, the present work identifies the novel water hyacinth biodiesel as a viable biofuel for diesel engine applications towards sustainable environment. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.