Author(s): Firdaus Achmad Fatian; Gadang Swastiastu; Andik Syaifudin Zuhri; Sailaja Poudel
Linked Author(s): Sailaja Poudel, Firdaus Achmad Fatian
Keywords: Water hyacinth sustainable harvesting humic acid handicrafts soil improvement
Abstract: Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive aquatic plant that poses significant environmental and economic challenges in freshwater ecosystems, including Lake Duma in North Halmahera. This study aimed to explore sustainable solutions for managing water hyacinth overgrowth by investigating its potential use in handicrafts, commercial products, and humic acid solutions for soil improvement. A literature review methodology was employed to collect and analyze findings from previous studies on water hyacinth repurposing. The results indicated that water hyacinth has economic benefits when utilized for handicrafts and commercial products, offering new income sources for communities. Additionally, humic acid derived from water hyacinth improved soil properties, promoting better plant growth. However, a key gap identified was the lack of sustainable, large-scale harvesting methods to control its rapid spread and mitigate ecological damage. The study concludes that while water hyacinth can be repurposed beneficially, implementing sustainable harvesting and community-driven initiatives is crucial for long-term ecological restoration. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how invasive species can be managed and transformed into valuable resources, offering practical solutions for environmental and economic challenges in affected regions.
Year: 2025