Environmental Briquette from Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) with Acacia Seeds as Binding Agent

Mary Jane Bucio

Patricia Anne Javier

Charlz Deanne Hermoso

Angel-lyn Lazo

Jamira Marabut

(Researchers)

Mrs. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte

(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 hyacinth’s 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.