POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF WATER HYACINTH

FIBER – REINFORCED CONCRETE WITH VARYING
AMOUNT OF EGG SHELL POWDER
AS CEMENT REPLACEMENT

An Undergraduate Thesis
Presented to the Faculty of College of Engineering
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Sta. Mesa, Manila

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course

CIEN 3282 - Civil Engineering Project I

by

Alvarez, Andrick L.
Jota, Jolina M.
Lagadan, Daryl John V.
Magnaye, Kimberly Wealth M.
Reyes, Denise Joy

May 2020
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

Fiber reinforcement is used in concrete to get less cracking due to plastic

shrinkage and drying shrinkage. It reduces concrete permeability to a fair

percentage which leads to better cohesion and less water bleeding. The right

percentile use results in higher flexural and shear stress.

Water hyacinth fiber is one of if not the most accessible material that can be

used as fiber reinforcement. The Pasig River that flows from Laguna de Bay

through Manila Bay contains a surplus of water hyacinth- a problem that leads to

poor navigability and water pollution. As such, the PRRC reactivated its Task

Force Water Hyacinth group to ensure that the quick proliferation of water

hyacinth will not cause inconvenience to the public especially those who board

the Pasig River Ferry Service.

The researchers would like to work with PRRC in gathering these plants and

put it to better use.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework discusses the flow of the study to be taken. The

study used the systems approach. The system of three (3) frames is composed of

the input which went through the process or operation, and emerged as the

output.

The first frame presents the input of the study which includes the materials

and equipments needed for making the concrete sample. These are sand, gravel,

cement, water, water hyacinth fibers, and egg shell powder.

The second frame presents the processes of the study which includes the

extraction of water hyacinth fibers, the preparation, making, and curing of test

specimen, the testing of the specimen in accordance to ASTM standards.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
The third frame contains the output which includes the evaluated results of

the tests done by the researchers and the recommendations for the future

researchers.

The arrows include the workflow of information in the research process. The

feedback loop connects the output to the process involved as well as to the input.

It makes the system continue.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Statement of the Problem

This research aimed to evaluate the performance of the water hyacinth

fiber-reinforced concrete with varying amounts of egg shell powder as cement

replacement. Moreover, this research is aimed to compare the performance of

the water hyacinth fiber-reinforced concrete with varying amounts of egg shell

powder as cement replacement to that of the normal concrete using the data and

computational works from other research materials to formulate a hypothesis.

Hypothesis

The null hypothesis tested is:

There is no significant difference between the performances of the water

hyacinth fiber-reinforced concrete with egg shell powder to that of the normal

concrete.

Scope and Limitation

This study will be limited only to the use of water hyacinth fibers as fiber-

reinforcement, and the egg shell powder to be used will be those passing the 90

microns sieve. The acquisition of the needed materials will be outside the scope

of this study, as well as the equipment needed for testing. All specifications and
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
test methods in making fiber-reinforced concrete and cement replacement should

be in accordance to ASTM Standards.

The testing of the fiber-reinforced concrete specimen will be limited only to

compressive strength test, split tensile strength test, flexural strength test and

water absorption.

Significance of the Study

This study anticipates to contribute additional information to serve the

following individuals and organizations.

Department of Civil Engineering. This study will be beneficial to the

department as it gives information regarding the performance of a water hyacinth

fiber-reinforced concrete with egg shell powder as cement replacement. This can

give other students insights on how waste products can be useful in the field of

civil engineering.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The

utilization of waste products such as the egg shell and water hyacinth can be

beneficial to the department as it help in reducing carbon footprint and save the

aquatic biodiversity.

Construction Industry. This study can be a reference to the construction

industry as it gives information on the utilization of egg shell powder and water

hyacinth fibers in producing good quality concrete/

Other Researchers. This study will be an effective tool and reference for

other researchers who would intend to make any further relevant study regarding
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
the incorporation of water hyacinth fibers in concrete and usage of egg shell

powder as cement replacement.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

To be able to develop a complete understanding and profound institution

into previous works and trends which were pertinent to the subject, as well as to

obtain specific goals of the study, the researchers pondered on various

references, both foreign and local literature and studies. These references were

gathered through journals, other reading materials, and electronic sources. It also

included related foreign and local studies acquired through the Internet, and past

thesis of the same field and discipline. These provided an adequate background

for the discussion to analysis of the findings regarding water hyacinth fiber–

reinforced concrete with varying amounts of egg shell powder as cement

replacement.

Foreign Literature

Fiber–reinforced concrete, according to Mishra, is a composite material

consisting of mixture of cement, mortar or concrete, and discontinuous, discrete,

uniformly dispersed suitable fibers. These fibers increase the structural integrity

of the concrete. Though mainly used on shotcrete, fiber-reinforcement can also

be used on normal concrete. Fibers are usually used in concrete to control plastic
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
cracking and drying shrinkage cracking. It also lowers the permeability of

concrete and thus reduces bleeding of water.

One type of fiber used as fiber-reinforcement is the natural fiber. This kind of

fiber is produced by plants, animals, or geological processes. A good example of

natural fiber is water hyacinth fiber.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a free-floating perennial aquatic

plant. Harvesting water hyacinth for industrial use serves as a means of

environmental control since it is prolific. It is a good source of fibers and is

commonly used in some countries in Asia. The fibers from water hyacinth are

dried, woven, and interlinked together to form a braid or cord used for making

bags, footwear, wreaths, hats, vases, Christmas lanterns, and other decorative

materials. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_fiber)

According to an article published by Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers, water

hyacinth is considered invasive throughout the world because it grows rapidly and

can form thick layers over the water. Though considered as a good source of

fibers, water hyacinth mats shade out the other aquatic plants, causing oxygen

depletion in the water resulting in fishes unable to survive. This plant mats also

interfere with boat navigation and prevent fishing, swimming, and other

recreational activities.

Since water hyacinth can grow rapidly over a short period of time, it can be

a sustainable source of fiber which can be used as fiber-reinforcement on

concrete. Using it as fiber-reinforcement can help save the environment and

resolve some environmental issues.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
The global production of cement, on the other hand, grows also from 1.39

billion tons back in 1995 to 4.2 billion tons in 2019, according to an article

published by Garside. Cement manufacturing releases carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere both directly when calcium carbonate (one of its composition) is

heated, and indirectly through the use of energy when its production involves the

emission of carbon dioxide. The development of the construction industry gives

way to the increase of production of cement, thus also leading to carbon emission

harmful to the environment.

According to Rodgers, cement is the source of about 8% of the world’s

carbon dioxide emission. China produces most cement and therefore most

cement-related carbon dioxide emissions, with 1800 million tons in 2010. Next to

China is India and USA, with 220 and 63.5 million tons respectively.

Local Literature

Water hyacinth has severely infested Philippine water with its rapid rate of

proliferation. According to Teves, Laguna de Bay, the country’s largest inland

body of water, is at risk of proliferation of free-floating water hyacinth. A science

research specialist from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

said that the worsening water pollution from continuous discharge of waste and

untreated wastewater into Laguna de Bay promotes the proliferation of water

hyacinth. These invasive plants multiply fast as well as threaten native aquatic

biodiversity, ecosystems, and composition of Laguna de Bay.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
In 2012, Department of Science and Technology’s Metals Industry

Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) developed a machine that

addresses the increasing number of water hyacinth clogging the metro waterways

and elsewhere. This machine is called Water Hyacinth Harvester, which scoops

up the plants and puts them into good use. It can collect and hold up to 25

kilograms of water hyacinth per load. The collected plants are then discharged by

the harvester into a dumping site or an assisting barge.

On the other side of its otherwise notorious reputation, the water hyacinth

can actually be a very good raw material for novel products that can churn in

income for individuals and communities. Among these products are handicrafts,

pieces of furniture, and tablewares.

Researchers from the Philippines and across the globe also find ways for

this water hyacinth to be useful. Many of which are the integration of water

hyacinth fibers into concrete, the production of paper out of the fibers, and

incorporating fibers into polymers to make a good sound-proofing material.

Big oil and cement companies have the most carbon footprint that play a

clear role in climate change resulting in adverse impact, says CHR Commissioner

Roberto Cadiz in an article released by Rappler Philippines. These big

companies may be held legally and morally liable for their hand in climate change

and its effects.

In 2018, carbon dioxide emissions per capita for the Philippines is 1.39

metric tons. It increased from 0.99 metric tons in 1999 to 1.39 metric tons in 2018
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
growing at an average annual rate of 1.92%, according to an article released by

Kneoma.com.

With the growing construction industry and the infrastructure projects of the

government, there is a greater demand on cement. With that, the carbon footprint

also increases. Researchers find ways or alternatives to lessen the cement

demand in the country. Studies show that there are possible cement

replacements.

Foreign Studies

There are numerous studies in the country and across the globe on how

incorporating waste products can strengthen a concrete. Two of which is by using

water hyacinth fibers and egg shell powder.

In a study conducted by Boban, results show that the concrete incorporated

by water hyacinth fibers has greater compressive and tensile strength than that of

normal concrete. The water absorbing property of water hyacinth incorporated

concrete is less than the normal concrete so it can be used on exposed surfaces.

Results also suggest that this water hyacinth concrete can be used where weight

of the structure is to be reduced because it is lighter than the normal concrete.

The orientation of water hyacinth fibers in a concrete sample affects also the

resulting compressive and tensile strength. According to the study conducted by

Kiptum, the tensile strength and compressive strength of a concrete with vertical

and horizontal orientation of water hyacinth fibers decreased as the amount of

water hyacinth fiber increase. Authors of this study suggested to further

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
investigate properties on water hyacinth fiber-reinforced concrete with random or

inclined orientation of fibers.

While there are studies suggesting the use of water hyacinth fibers to

increase the performance of a concrete, there are also investigations on the use

of egg shell powder as cement replacement.

According to Ansari, eggs shell powder is a good replacement material for

cement, after conducting tests. The result of this study shows that the

replacement of about 10%-15% of egg shell powder is effective in increasing the

performance of a concrete. Increasing the amount of egg shell powder beyond

15% will decrease the compressive strength.

In a comparative study between egg shell powder and fly ash conducted by

Dhanalakshmi, egg shell concrete gives greater split tensile and flexural strength

compared to a normal concrete. Combination of egg shell powder and fly ash

gives greater flexural strength for all percentage variation of fly ash with optimum

content of egg shell powder. This combination, on the other hand, reduces the

compressive strength of the concrete compared to egg shell concrete mixes

beyond 5% replacement of fly ash to optimum egg shell content concrete.

Same result is concluded in the experimental study made by Praveen.

Findings show that the compressive and flexural strength of the concrete with egg

shell powder replacement increases. The split tensile strength, on the other hand,

decreases with the addition of egg shell powder.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Local Studies

As the Philippines go for sustainability and taking into consideration the

effects on the environment of climate change, many researchers find ways to look

for sustainable and eco-friendly materials needed in various aspects of daily

living.

In the study conducted by Abion, the use of water hyacinth fibers with

varying amounts of rice hull ash in concrete resulted in higher compressive and

flexural strength compared to a normal concrete. The same study tested also the

flowability, the passing ability, and filling ability of the concrete with water hyacinth

fibers and rice hull ash.

Synthesis

Accordingly, the related literature and studies just reviewed provided guides

and directions necessary for the researchers to meet the desired objectives. The

above-mentioned studies covered various areas in cement replacement and the

incorporation of fibers in concrete. Though some of the materials cited above are

not included in the scope of the study, it enables the researchers to have firm

background knowledge of the problem study.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
This study focuses on the performance evaluation of water hyacinth fiber-

reinforced concrete with varying amounts of egg shell powder as cement

replacement for which the researchers were able to find similar studies.

The present study is similar to the study conducted by Boban, et al (2017),

where they incorporated water hyacinth fibers in concrete, and evaluated the

performance of that concrete. The present study, however, aims to evaluate the

performance of a concrete with water hyacinth fibers and egg shell powder as

cement replacement.

The study conducted by Kiptum, et al. (2019) is similar to the present study

in the sense that it also evaluated the properties of water hyacinth fibers in

concrete. However, the present study does not focus on the orientation of the

fibers in the concrete and how it will affect the performance of the concrete.

The present study is similar to the study conducted by Abion, Dabu, and

Hernaez (2017) in the sense that they also used water hyacinth fibers as fiber-

reinforcement and uses rice hull ash as admixture. The present study, however,

does not include the addition of rice hull ash as admixture. Furthermore, it does

not also include the testing of flowability, the passing ability, and the filling ability

of the concrete incorporated by water hyacinth fibers.

The present study is also similar to the findings by Ansari, et al. (2016) and

Praveen, Vijaya and Jose (2015), wherein they used egg shell powder as cement

replacement and evaluated its effect on concrete, resulting in a better

performance of concrete.
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
The present study is also similar to the study conducted by Dhanalakshmi,

et al. (2015), where they assessed the effect of egg shell powder and fly ash in

concrete. The present study, however, does not include the usage of fly ash on

its scope.

The present study confirms the facts stated in the literature and studies,

both foreign and local regarding the incorporation of water hyacinth fibers and the

usage of egg shell powder as cement replacement. The information given by the

reference assists the researchers in conducting a study that would contribute to

the existing body of knowledge about the topic.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Materials and Methods

Water Hyacinth plants

Water hyacinth fibers were manually harvested from the Pasig River which

flows north-northwest through the market town of Pasig and bisects Manila, then

enters the bay between the North and South harbors. Collected water hyacinth

was submerged in 10% NaOH solution for 24 hours to remove impurities such as

mud and other contaminants. The plant was cleansed with distilled water and

placed in an absorbing piece of cloth under a shade and then dried for 2 days.

After that, the roots and leaves were removed, then the remaining fiber was cut

into 40 millimeter fibers.

Egg shell powder

Egg shell remains were collected from local sources. The collected shells

were cleaned thoroughly with distilled water and air dried in an absorbing piece of

cloth under a shade for 5 days. The dried shells then hand crushed, grinded then

sieved using a 90µm sieve. Only the 90µm sieved egg shells were used for the

cement replacement.
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Coarse and Fine Aggregates (ASTM) – Class C

Standard Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C136)

It is used to determine the grading of materials and to determine the particle

size distribution where specifications are being followed to achieve a quality control

of production of various aggregate products and mixtures containing aggregates.

1. Grading (Fine Aggregates) – The fineness modulus of the fine aggregate

shall not be lower than 2.3 and higher than 3.1. The fineness does not vary

more than 0.20. The fine aggregates shall not pass 45% from a single sieve

and retained on the next sieve size as shown in table-1.

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2. Grading (Coarse Aggregates) – Proportioning and sizing is one of the ways

to achieve a well graded aggregate, it maximizes the volume of aggregate in

the concrete while preserving its performing strength. Balancing the

proportion enabling us to fill each void to achieve a good quality product of

aggregates.

Fresh concrete

Mix Cement Sand Gravel Water WHF ESP

(kg) (L) (L) (L) (kg) (kg)

SCC w/ 10 20 40 7 0.44 0
0% ESP

SCC w/ 9.5 20 40 7 0.44 0.5

5% ESP

SCC w/ 9.0 20 40 7 0.44 1.0

10% ESP

SCC w/ 8.5 20 40 7 0.44 1.5

15% ESP
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Curing of Concrete

A batch of 4 samples, all 0.4% volume of WHF and with 0%, 5%,10%,15% by

volume ESP were cured for 14 days. Another batch of 4 samples, with the same

components were cured for 21 days. Another batch of 4 samples, with the same

components were cured for 28 days. Curing was done by submerging the samples

in a container filled with water.

Water Absorption of Concrete

In calculating the water of absorption of the concrete, we use:

B− A
Water Absorption = ( ) x 100
A

A = Dry weight of test specimen (Concrete Cylinder)

B = Wet weight of test specimen after immersion in water for 48 hrs.

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Sorptivity Test on Concrete

It is defined as a measure of the capacity of the medium to absorb or desorb liquid

by capillarity. The cumulative water absorption (per unit area of the inflow surface)

increases as the square root of elapsed time (t) I=S.t 1/ 2

I Δw
S= 1 I=
t 2 Ad

Where:

S = sorptivity in mm Δw = Change in weight (W2 – W1)

t = elapsed time in min. W1 = Oven Dry weight of cylinder

in grams

W2 = Weight of cylinder after 30 mins

capillary suction of water in grams

A = Surface area of specimen through

which water penetrated

d = Density of water
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3.6 Hardened Concrete

Strength of concrete is considered as one of most valuable properties, it usually

gives an overall picture of the quality of the concrete.

A .Compressive Strength

B. Flexural Strength

C. Split- Tensile Strength

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Chapter 4

SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGHTS

In the research study of Incorporation of Water hyacinth in Concrete, it’s

possible to utilize it in maritime structures.

Water absorption of concrete = 1.24%

Water absorption of Water-hyacinth incorporated concrete = 1.15%

Water hyacinth reinforced integrated concrete has a higher water absorption

capacity than regular concrete, implying that it has a higher water absorption

capacity. It’s water absorbing properties are less than the normal concrete,

allowing it to be utilized on exposed surfaces

In the research study of Incorporation of Water hyacinth in Concrete the

weight of the normal concrete is 8.508 kg while the weight of water-hyacinth

reinforced incorporated concrete weighs 8.382 kg. It has a permeability capacity

that is lower than the typical concrete. Water hyacinth integrated concrete can be

utilized in places where structural weight must be decreased since it is lighter than

regular concrete.

They also have good heat resistance capacity and increases its overall strength.

Compressive Strength of Normal Concrete Cube after 24 hours of heating :

SI NO. BREAKING LOAD (kN) COMPRESSIVE

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
STRENGTH (N/mm2)

1. 500 22.22

2. 500 22.22

3. 500 22.22

Avg value = 22.22 N/mm2

For 0.5% Water Hyacinth incorporated concrete

Compressive Strength of Water hyacinth Incorporated Concrete Cube after

24 hours of heating :

SI NO. BREAKING LOAD (kN) COMPRESSIVE

STRENGTH (N/mm2)

1. 750 33.33

2. 750 33.33

3. 750 31.11

Avg value = 32.59 N/mm2

According to Viwatsakpol et al. (2011), the compressive strength of mortar

varies depending on the size of fiber used, such as "milled dry fiber" (M-DF),

"crushed dry fiber" (Cr-DF), and "long dry fiber" L-DF. It was discovered that the

mortar containing 9% L-DF had the maximum compressive strength.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
However, this finding was unsatisfactory because the material did not break

when examined. The 1 percent M-DF mortar produced the best results. In

comparison to the lower size, it was discovered that the 1% #20DF mortar

produced the best results.

The water hyacinth is resilient, it contains a tensile strength of 100-150

N/mm2. The abrasiveness of water hyacinth is significantly lower, resulting in

benefits in terms of composite material technical processes in general. When

compared to glass, carbon, and aramid fibers, dried water hyacinths are light.

It is scientifically proven that the eggshell is mostly made up of calcium

compounds that are quite like cement because of the additional calcium oxide

added by eggshell ash, it has been shown to be an excellent accelerator for

cement bound materials. Increasing the eggshell ash content will enhance the

cement stabilized matrix's strength characteristics by around 35 percent on

average. This shows that using eggshell ash as a concrete addition increases the

concrete's strength. In addition to this, adding an eggshell ash to the Ordinary

Portland Cement decrease the setting time of the cement

Test Ash Volume of

Water Initial Decrease Final Decrease in
# Content water( ml)
Conten setting in final setting final setting
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
time(mins setting time
t time (%)
) time(%) (mins)

1 0 37 148 143 - 247 -

2 0.1 37 148 141 1.40 240 2.83

3 0.5 37 148 129 9.79 221 10.53

4 1 37 148 118 17.48 203 17.82

5 1.5 37 148 109 23.78 182 26.32

6 2 37 148 105 26.57 175 29.15

7 2.5 37 148 97 32.17 163 34.01

According to Olarewaju et al., (2011), eggshells combined with lateritic soil

can create low binding characteristics and significantly enhance soil strength,

making it suitable for use as a subgrade. The stabilizing capacities did not meet

the requirements for the foundation or subbase for road building.

Egg Shell ash may be utilized as a cement substitute, resulting in better

compressive strength on lateritic soil. Constant Cement of 6 and 8% mixed with

egg ash powder of 0-10% at 2% intervals increased compressive strength by 35%

but fell short of the durability requirements.

They discovered that a soil-cement eggshell combination may be utilized to

pave roads.

WEAKNESS
 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Due to the corrosion problem of steel, there is an increasing need for

concrete reinforcing materials which can replace steel rebars. Concrete has been

reinforced with various natural fibers such as bamboo, coconut, sisal, etc. for

developing cost-effective and sustainable building constructions. Addition of these

natural fibers to concrete was found helpful to improve various mechanical

performances including flexural properties, impact resistance, fracture toughness,

etc. and in some cases, even found better than glass and carbon fibers.

Natural fibers possess some disadvantages when considered as building

materials such as variability in properties, less durability due to high moisture and

chemical absorption, generation of concrete cracks due to swelling and volume

changes, weakening due to alkaline environment of cement and poor interface

between natural fibers and polymeric or cementitious matrices.

*Water Absorption - Water absorption is a significant aspect in the water hyacinth

fiber composite's durability. Water hyacinth fiber has the potential to absorb a lot of

water, which could make the composite unstable.

However, methods including drying, heating, beating, and dehydration can be used

to reduce the high moisture content of water hyacinth. The most popular and

affordable technique is drying.

*Unevenness - When fibers are added to the concrete mixture, it is impossible to

tell where in the mix the fibers will end up. Some portions of the concrete will end

up having more fibers than other parts. This will cause the concrete to have

different properties in higher fiber areas versus lower fiber areas.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
*Biodegradability - Water hyacinth is a biodegradable plant material. It could be a

problem since the concrete structural material is expected to be used for a long

period of time. However, according to Intermediate Technology Development

Group, water hyacinth can be treated with sodium metabisulphite also known as

organic salt to prevent it from rotting.

OPPORTUNITIES

Reduce of carbon footprint in a construction The demand for sustainable

materials came about as too much waste and pollutions came from fast

urbanization and industrialization. Biomaterials tend to have lower carbon footprint

than the carbon emitted before and after construction.

Reduce threats brought by water hyacinth plants to aquatic ecosystem

locally. The utilization of waste products such as the eggshell and water hyacinth

can be beneficial to the department as it helps in reducing carbon footprint and

save the aquatic biodiversity. Water hyacinth has severely infested Philippine

water with its rapid rate of proliferation. According to Teves, Laguna de Bay, the

country’s largest inland body of water, is at risk of proliferation of free-floating water

hyacinth. A science research specialist from the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources said that the worsening water pollution from continuous

discharge of waste and untreated wastewater into Laguna de Bay promotes the

proliferation of water hyacinth. These invasive plants multiply fast as well as

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
threaten native aquatic biodiversity, ecosystems, and composition of Laguna de

Bay.

Local Sourcing In response to reducing threats of Water Hyacinth to aquatic

nature, adaptation by utilization of locally available materials is good for the local

community. Local sourcing uses less transportation, therefore reduction in

emissions and energy. Also, it creates local job opportunities by acquiring local

workers to harvest Water Hyacinth plants and eggshells.

THREATS

On the largest inland body of water, Laguna de Bay, resides the water

hyacinth clusters - the main resource location of this research. The lake is at risk

with the proliferation of free-floating water hyacinth, an invasive water species

known to cause major obstruction to the flow of waterways. With this reason, the

Anti-Pollution Task Force (APTF), under the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR), has been tasked to prioritize the removal of water

hyacinth in Pasig River and Laguna de Bay. Water hyacinth is an expendable

resource and the full removal of this water species will be an immense drawback

for this research.

 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Furthermore, the collection and actual testing of this project was halted due

to pandemic restraints. Dependency on past studies and information must not be

overlooked.

Bibliography-

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https://theconstructor.org/building/aggregates-concrete-american-standards-astm/39552/?
fbclid=IwAR2XvlSLz65ENJMgYJp-RM20V3sSD1trXAh9sXBDt0ofZNbv_W5eE7fJzMg