Optimization of Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Water Hyacinth without Delignification

Dedy Anwar; Adonia Christiani Eka Putri; Kenia Ardita Pramesti; Rochim Bakti Cahyono; Irfan Dwidya Prijambada; Wiratni Budhijanto

doi:10.22146/ajche.21264

Dedy Anwar Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jalan Grafika No. 2, Bulaksumur, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta-55281, Indonesia
Adonia Christiani Eka Putri Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jalan Grafika No. 2, Bulaksumur, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta-55281, Indonesia
Kenia Ardita Pramesti Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jalan Grafika No. 2, Bulaksumur, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta-55281, Indonesia
Rochim Bakti Cahyono Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jalan Grafika No. 2, Bulaksumur, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta-55281, Indonesia
Irfan Dwidya Prijambada Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jalan Flora, Bulaksumur, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta-55281, Indonesia
Wiratni Budhijanto Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jalan Grafika No. 2, Bulaksumur, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta-55281, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/ajche.21264

Keywords: Biofertilizer Production, Glucose Yield, Hydrolysis Optimization, Response Surface Methodology, Water Hyacinth

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a rapidly proliferating invasive aquatic plant causing severe ecological disruptions and economic challenges worldwide. Its uncontrolled spread significantly affects aquatic biodiversity and local livelihoods. Although water hyacinth is rich in cellulose, conventional hydrolysis methods to convert it into valuable bioproducts, such as biofertilizer substrates, often require costly and environmentally harmful pretreatment steps, limiting its broader utilization. This study aimed to optimize acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of water hyacinth into glucose-rich hydrolysate without alkaline pretreatment. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to determine optimal conditions using hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). Optimal hydrolysis conditions were found to be 2.36N concentration, 89.33°C, and 76.94 minutes for HCl, and 1.91N concentration, 100.03°C, and 79.66 minutes for H₂SO₄. Model validation showed high R² values of 0.82 and 0.95 for HCl and H₂SO₄, respectively. Subsequent biofertilizer fermentation experiments demonstrated that H₂SO₄-derived hydrolysate facilitated superior microbial growth compared to HCl, indicating better glucose bioavailability. Hydrolysates from HCl hydrolysis showed higher bacterial toxicity. These findings highlight the potential of optimized acid-catalyzed hydrolysis as an effective, sustainable strategy for converting invasive water hyacinth into glucose-rich substrates for biofertilizer production. This bioprocess-friendly approach not only mitigates environmental impacts but also enhances resource efficiency, contributing significantly to sustainable agricultural practices.

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