Isolation of Cellulose Fiber from Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) by Bleaching-Alkalination Method

Abstract

The growth of water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) as weeds of floating aquatic plants occurs so fast that it is often regarded as waste. Water hyacinth that develops rapidly in the aquatic environment can cause environmental damage and can be one of the factors causing floods. Behind the negative assumption that water hyacinth is a plant that is rich in natural fiber content, namely cellulose. This study aims to characterize the content in water hyacinth and cellulose fiber insulation using an alkali method. By using SNI 01 2891.1992 as a characterization procedure, values of water content, fat content, crude fiber content, ash content, protein content and carbohydrate content for water hyacinth plants in Banjarmasin waters were respectively. While cellulose fiber insulation results by 53,45%, lignin 24,43% and hemicellulose 22,12%.