Effect of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) plant into water bodies and its composite materials for commercial applications

Abstract

Water Hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes) is a free-floating aquatic plant that is commonly found in local water bodies. Its quick emergence and rapid expansion are the main advantages, allowing it to cover entire water surfaces. The government considers the plant to be waste and has invested a significant amount of money to remove it from water bodies. This paper provides a brief overview of the effective use of water hyacinth in wastewater treatment, converting it into WH fiber. By utilizing the water hyacinth fiber and an epoxy matrix, a WH composite is produced. The hyacinth fiber reinforced composite samples attained 27.06 MPa tensile strength and 43.51 MPa flexural strength, and 1.25 J impact strength. Water hyacinth plant presented water bodies water level parameters are tested with the help of the suitcase method. Essential tests, such as mechanical testing, thermal behavior, and characterization techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM, optical microscope inspection, and water and chemical absorption tests), are conducted. In conclusion, the results suggest that the water hyacinth plant could be better utilized in the production of commercial household applications and lightweight materials in the field of natural fiber composites.