Assessment of the chemical constituents of freshwater biomass in the production of Biofuel

The chemical constituents of some selected freshwater biomasses: Eichornia natans (Water Hyacinth), Pistia stratiotes (Water Lettuce) and Nymphaea lotus (Water Lily) were determined using proximate analysis with a view to evaluate their biofuel potential. Preliminary assessment shows that the amount of fat in the leaf of water hyacinth was 8.7% while 3.65% was found in its stem. Similarly, 8.15% was found in the leaf of water lettuce and 2.2% in its stem, 7.2% in the leaf of water lily and 7.25% in its stem. The amount of reducing sugar in the leaf of water hyacinth, water lettuce and water lily was 0.31g/l, 0.25g/l and 0.38g/l while 0.29g/l, 0.27g/l and 0.35g/l was found in their respective stem. The percentage volatile matter in the leaves and stems of water hyacinth, water lettuce and water lily was 67.08: 57.67%, 57.23: 39.20% and 57.94: 51.02% respectively. The study concludes that aquatic weeds can be utilized as viable feedstock for the production of biofuels. Exploitation of these freshwater weeds will not only be of economic importance but would be a step towards better utilization of these plants for biofuel production. This will also help in solving the weed eradication challenges.