Process selection on bioethanol production from water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes)

In many water bodies,water hyacinth has been a nuisance towards the ecosystem. utilization of water hyacinth seems to be a promising way of controlling this weed. however,despite the amount of research on this particular matter,it is still not cost effective. correct choice of process parameters and on-site enzyme production are believed to be able to cut the cost effectively. therefore,this research aimed to evaluate and select the critical process parameters. in this research,pre-blended and filtrated water hyacinth was subjected to pretreatment. afterwards,water hyacinth was hydrolysed and subsequently fermented and cofermented. magnesium sulfate was added to enhance the process. result favors the use of dap as pretreatment,addition of c. utilis inoculums for 24 h fermentation,and addition of magnesium sulfate in fermentation broth at 25 mm. fermentation duration beyond 24 h led to decrease in sugar and ethanol,while addition of magnesium sulfate to level of 100 mm did not interrupt fermentation but caused underestimation in sugar analysis (dns assay). © school of engineering,taylor’s university.