Use of Water Hyacinth from the Baba Reservoir as Fiber to Enhance the Strength of Handmade Blocks

Abstract

The current study investigated the impact and potential of Water The present study investigates the environmental impact and potential application of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) in the Baba reservoir, Ecuador, addressing its negative effects on biodiversity and water resources and proposing its reuse in the construction industry. A multidisciplinary approach is employed to develop sustainable management methods, including physical removal, chemical, and biological control. The study focuses on transforming Water Hyacinth into a useful resource, exploring its use in the production of sustainable building blocks by comparing its properties with traditional materials. The experimental methodology includes the extraction, drying, and crushing of the plant fiber from Water Hyacinth, followed by its integration into handmade building blocks. An innovative solution is proposed to mitigate negative environmental impacts of Water Hyacinth, promoting sustainability and ecosystem conservation, while offering an ecological alternative in the construction industry.