Physicochemical Characterization of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms)

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic flowering plant that belongs to the Pontederiaceae family. The plant is a freshwater hydrophyte that grows in subtropical and tropical regions of the world. The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical characterization of roots, stems, and leaves of E. crassipes. The pH, ash, 1% alkali solubility, extractives, lignin, holocellulose, tannins, and calorific value were determined. Our results showed that the mineral content is relatively high, whereas that for lignin and tannins is low. The pH is moderately acid, and the soluble substances easily dissolved in alkali or organic solvents. Potassium, calcium, and silicon are the major constituents present in the ash of this plant. The determined calorific value was approximately 14.4 MJ/kg.

Keywords

• pH
• Ash
• Extractives
• Lignocellulosic material
• Calorific value