Solar Parabolic trough drier designed for Water Hyacinth

Water hyacinth is an abundant aquatic plant that is present in the largest lake in the
philippines, Laguna lake. Nowadays it causes variety of problems because of its rapid
proliferation.
considered as a big problem to local fish farmers.
Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant which could well be used, instead of wood, in
generating an alternative source of energy. The processing of water hyacinth into
briquette would have a significant role not only in the development of an alternative fuel,
but also in the preservation of the environment. The water hyacinth that was harvested,
dried, and pulverized was mixed with cassava starch and acacia seed binder by being
compressed into briquettes in a manually-operated machine. The experimental set-up
made use of dry and fresh water hyacinth while a traditional charcoal served as the
control. In all the quality tests done, T- test showed that there was no significant
difference between the experimental product and the commercial product in terms of
various parameters, at 0.05 level of significance. The results of experimentation and data
analysis showed that the experimental product is
n. It also causes practical problems for marine transportation, fishing
and at intakes for hydro power
Multi-faceted Threats Water hyacinth can cause a variety of problems when its rapid
mat-like reproduces and covers areas of fresh water. Some of these common problems are
mentioned below:
1. Hindrance to water transport. Canals and freshwater rivers can become impassable
as they clog up with densely intertwined carpets of the weeds.
2. 2. Clogging intakes of irrigation, hydropower and water supply systems. Water
hyacinth causes blockages to the flow of electricity, flooding, and equipment damage.
3. 3. Increased disease in the habitat: Malaria, degue, and water borne parasites and
other water borne diseases increase as the water hyacinths provide habitats for
mosquitoes.
4. 4. Increased evaporation and transpiration of water. It has been discovered that
water loss can be as much as 1.8 times that of evaporation from waterways free of these
plants.
5. 5. Fishing opportunities: Access to sites becomes difficult when weed infestation is
present. Fish populations decrease as water begins to lose oxygen and sunlight.
Populations of crocodiles and snakes increase. In areas where fishermen are barely able
to sustain themselves from this industry, this is an economic disaster.
6. 6. Reduced biodiversity: When water hyacinth thrives, it out competes other
aquatic plants. This causes an imbalance in the microecosystem resulting in reduced
flora and the fauna that depend on it. Localized water quality also deteriorates which may
be harmful to people who rely on the waterway for drinking water.