PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE FROM INVASIVE SPECIES (WATER HYACINTH): A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN SRI LANKA
M.P.I.M. Ranasinghe1, T.L.N. Randika2, G.K. Jayatunga3*, I.C. K. Rajapaksa4, H.A.T.U. Ranasinghe5
1,2,3,4,5Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Homagama, Sri Lanka
Session: Technical Session B
Abstract
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic weed, poses significant environmental, economic, and social challenges in many tropical regions, including Sri Lanka. However, its high cellulose content and low lignin composition make it a promising non-wood biomass for sustainable cellulose extraction. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an efficient chemical method for extracting cellulose from water hyacinth. The stems were subjected to bleaching with sodium hypochlorite at different residence times (2, 6, 8, and 10 hours), followed by alkaline treatment using sodium hydroxide. The cellulose yield was measured concerning the initial dry biomass, with the highest yield of 36.08% obtained at a bleaching duration of 10 hours. The color change from brown to white indicated progressive delignification. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed cellulose enrichment, as indicated by the disappearance of hemicellulose- and lignin-associated peaks and the predominance of O–H, C–H, and C–O–C stretching vibrations typical of pure cellulose. The results demonstrate that water hyacinth can serve as a viable alternative cellulose source, with yields comparable to or higher than traditional non-wood feedstocks such as rice straw and bagasse. This process supports the circular economy by converting waste biomass into high value materials, reducing dependence on imported cellulose and promoting resource efficiency.
Keywords: cellulose extraction, bleaching, water hyacinth, circular economy
DOI: 10.64752/UGZQ4298