Evaluation of biopots made from various parts of water hyacinth: Physical and structural characteristics

Abstract

Importance of the work: Water hyacinth (WH) is an invasive aquatic plant whose abundant biomass has potential as a renewable material for biodegradable planting pots (biopots). However, the effects of different WH components, including roots, petioles, and leaves, on biopot quality remain unclear. Utilizing WH biomass as an agricultural product could provide a sustainable approach to invasive weed management while supporting sustainable agriculture and the circular economy. Objectives: To determine the effect of different WH components and their proportions on the physical, mechanical, structural, and morphological properties of biopots. Materials and Methods: The biopot was produced using thermoprocesing at 150°C for 15 min based on white clay and polyvinyl acetate PVAc as a matrix. Four different compositions of raw material were tested: 100% roots; 50% roots and 50% petioles; 50% roots and 50% leaves; and 40% roots and 60% petioles. Each biopot was analyzed for physical, mechanical, structural and morphological properties. Results: The utilization of different parts of WH affected the quality of the biopot. Biopots using equal amounts of petioles and roots had improved quality. However, over-supplementation of petioles (60%) had some weakening effects, including increased water absorption and moisture content and a decreased impact resistance index (IRI) and compressive strength of the biopots. The use of 50% roots and 50% petioles contributed positively to the biopot physical-mechanical, structural and morphological properties, with mean ± SD values for density, moisture, water absorption in 30 min, IRI and compressive strength being 0.147 ± 0.006 g/cm3, 8.23 ± 0.06%, 129.57 ± 0.66%, 98.5% and 107 N, respectively. Main finding: The use of WH as a major source of biopot material could serve as an alternative for managing environmental issues associated with the spread of this aquatic weed. Biopots made from 50% WH roots and 50% petioles showed favorable physical and mechanical properties, suggesting their potential as an alternative to conventional polybags for sustainable agriculture. Further studies should evaluate WH biopot biodegradation, durability, economic feasibility and large-scale production potential.