* Water hyacinth is scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and the common name is Lilac devil. Water hyacinth or water hyacinth is an herbaceous weed, succulent stem and has a flow (stolon) spanning the water surface. * Water hyacinth is considered invasive throughout the world because it grows rapidly and can form thick mat over the water. These mats shade out the other aquatic plants. Eventually these shaded plants die and decay. Decaying process depletes the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Often waters below the water hyacinth masses become devoid of life.

1. PROCESSING OF VEGAN LEATHER
FROM THE WEED WATER HYACINTH
(Eicchornia crassiceps)

2. INTRODUCTION
 Water hyacinth is considered invasive throughout the world because it grows rapidly and can form
thick mat over the water. These mats shade out the other aquatic plants. Eventually these shaded
plants die and decay. Decaying process depletes the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Often
waters below the water hyacinth masses become devoid of life.
 Water hyacinth is scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and the common name is
Lilac devil. Water hyacinth or water hyacinth is an herbaceous weed, succulent stem and has a flow
(stolon) spanning the water surface.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a large aquatic plant native to
the Amazon basin. Its thick, waxy, oval-shaped leaves are 4-8 inches
across and branch out from the center of the plant on modified stems
that may rise as much as 1 meter above the water surface. The mass of
fine roots that hang in the water underneath the plant are dark purple
or black with small, white root-hairs.

3.  The stems are spongy, bulbous stalks (called petioles) that contain air-filled tissues that keep the
plant afloat. When flowering, the stalks support 8 – 15 blue-violet flowers with six petals each, with
one petal being deeper violet with a yellow spot.
 An alternative method of control is thus represented by the economic use of the plant. Across the
world, this plant is currently exploited for producing fertilizers, handicrafts, paper, biogas, fodder,
briquettes, furniture and for cleaning industrial waste water by phytoremediation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Transformation of weeds like water hyacinths through reprocessing into artificial leather.
This vegan leather is an Eco - friendly material & easily bio - degradable.
This leather would be cost effective.
Making water hyacinths for processing of leather goods can also help to reduce amount of water
hyacinths weeds that invasively spread around the water bodies.
Being a great substitute for the genuine animal leather in making various leather goods, vegan
leather can also reduce the usage of animal leather.

4. HYPOTHESIS
• Being an invasive weed easily available everywhere, it also provides job opportunities for
processing of waste weeds into useful handicrafts. The water hyacinth processed vegan leather
will be a great substitute for genuine animal leather.
• NULL HYPOTHESIS - Vegan leather is not accepted as an alternative for commonly used animal
leather.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
 Aboul-Eneim A. M., et.al., (2011) - stated that its glossy green and leathery leaf blades were up to
20 cm long and 5-15cm wide and were attached to petioles that were often spongy-inflated,
causing it to be numerous dark and well branched, its characteristic enabled water hyacinth to be
useful in many ways. Thus, its physical and chemical characteristics is beneficial in making
products.
 Barret (2015) - Due to its rapid growth it is known for its invasive characteristics and was
considered as one of the productive plants in the world likewise, it is also responsible for
environmental problems.

5.  Comedis et al. (2017) - concluded that water hyacinth stems can be manufactured into a
biodegradable container as well as other containing products from their study Modern Eco-
Friendly Containers (Transforming Water lilies into Proactive Environmental Product).
 Dumapao (2017) - stated that biodegradable materials have their own brittleness in compare to
the flexibility of plastics. However, have more durability in terms of horizontal penetrations or
sharp objects that penetrates the paper.
 Dublin (2017) - entitled that Water hyacinth Stems (Eichhornia crassipes) and Rice (Oryza sativa
L.) Straws as an alternative biodegradable trash bag. Trash brags made out of paper are more
durable when a raw material is combined with one another.
 Putri et.al., (2019) - analyzed that the process of craft production with raw materials originated
from water hyacinth begins with the drying of wet water hyacinth plants. In adding to the beauty
value and economic value, it can use various methods such as embroidery.
 Sudana et.al., (2020) - observed that the communities around Rawapening Lake use the leaf
stalks of water hyacinth to make various creative products that have functional value as well as
environmentally friendly.

6. OBJECTIVES
 To study and research fellow hyacinths to be processed into artificial leather
 To test the properties of water hyacinth processed into a sheet of leather
 To design a leather bag from artificial leather processed from water hyacinth
 To test if water hyacinth could substitute for animal leather as raw material for handicrafts
METHODOLOGY
o This study uses the experimental research design in determining the acceptability of alternative
vegan leather from Water Hyacinth stems.
o Collection of plants & sun drying - Water hyacinth stem is fibrous and filled with water
content. In order to transform those stems into usable material for handicraft, they have to be
dried first. This process could be done in several ways, but the best way is to let nature does the
work. Natural heat from the sun is perfect for this job. Left out in the sun for 5-7 days, water
hyacinth stems will be perfectly dried.

7. o Preparation of leather sheet - After being sun-dried, water hyacinth stems could be wetted by
dripping water. Then the dried stems are cut into equal halves and remove the inner surface of
stem. Outer layer of stem is used and it is pasted by using natural gums forming a layer of sheet.
Then it is ironed and processed to fill the pores present in the leather sheet. Applying of anti -
fungal agents for protection.
o Analyzing the properties of leather - The following tests is used to determine the properties of
leather – Resistance to wetting test, Tear load test, Relative stiffness test, Tensile strength test and
color fastness test, etc.
o Sewing - After the analysis the leather is processed into final product. This process is basically
needlework which could be done by both hand and sewing machine. Most of the time the fabric
is lined inside the products, handbags, while the water hyacinth fiber is left alone as outer
material. A zipper could be applied in this stage as well.
o Finishing - By applying a few thin coats of varnish oil on water hyacinth fiber, such products
would have more shiny finish which would preserve the appearance longer as well as provide
more anti-fungal property.

8. CONCLUSION
 Producing leather and other goods from out of water hyacinth were identified as the most
suitable alternative use. It alleviates the negative effects of the plant on the ecosystem and brings
job opportunities to rural community people.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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