Algal Biomass (Green algae) as a Binding Agent for the Production of Eco-Briquettes from Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes)

• Main Authors: Montiel, Alfhea M., Pabelonia, Athena Jamie D., Corbillon, Rose An A., Medina, Julieana Shalome Enguio A., De Leon, John Joemar L., Batua, Nagierah L.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2023
• Subjects: briquettes; density; durability; binder; biomass
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2023/paper_see/12; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1811/viewcontent/PP_SEE_Montiel_Pabelonia_Corbillon_Medina_DeLeon_Batua___Athena_Pabelonia.docx.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Algae and Water hyacinths have become rational feedstock for biofuel production as they are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and renewable biomass. Climate change and pollution from fossil fuel consumption require alternative renewable bioproducts. Briquettes are widely used as a renewable energy source to address the problem of over-reliance on wood fuel as an energy source for humans. These are also highly dependent on their binder— improving properties and adding mechanical strength to charcoal briquettes. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to demonstrate that algal biomass (Green algae) is an effective binder for water hyacinth charcoal briquettes. The result shows that the best bulk density of the briquettes was Briquette B (30:70), with a Bulk density of 0.394 g/cc. It also shows the following combustion-related properties of the briquettes: Volatile matter - 21.97%; percentage Ash content - 36.58%; Moisture content - 15.05%, Fixed carbon content - 41.32%; Kindling time - 94 seconds sec; Burning time - 229 seconds; and best Boiling time (briquette B) - 22.6 minutes. The combustion characteristics of the briquettes made from Water Hyacinth with Algae as a binder and Water Hyacinth with Molasses as a binder vary significantly with the related properties analyzed, according to statistical analysis using ANOVA. Overall, the findings show that Algal Biomass could be used as an alternative binder in the production of Water Hyacinth Eco-briquettes and cheap alternative solid fuel sources for domestic use.