Environmental Briquette from Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia

crassipes) with Acacia Seeds as Binding Agent

(Researchers)


(Research Adviser)

ABSTRACT

Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant which could well be used, instead of wood, in
generating an alternative source of energy. The processing of water hyacinth into
briquette would have a significant role not only in the development of an alternative fuel,
but also in the preservation of the environment. The water hyacinth that was harvested,
dried, and pulverized was mixed with cassava starch and acacia seed binder by being
compressed into briquettes in a manually-operated machine. The experimental set-up
made use of dry and fresh water hyacinth while a traditional charcoal served as the
control. In all the quality tests done, T- test showed that there was no significant
difference between the experimental product and the commercial product in terms of
various parameters, at 0.05 level of significance. The results of experimentation and
data analysis showed that the experimental product is just as effective as the
commercial briquette, with better potential of helping the environment by reducing the
negative consequences brought about by water hyacinths rapid profusion. Thus,
the environmental briquette made from water hyacinth with acacia seeds as binding
agent could be an effective alternative to the traditional charcoal made from burning of
wood.