Characterisation of Macrophyte Eleocharis dulcis for potential selected bioproducts

Abstract

Overpopulation of macrophytes in drainage ditches can lead to a problem in maintenance and reduce the efficiency of the system. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of Eleocharis dulcis (E. dulcis) for bioproduct potential by chemical composition analysis. E. dulcis samples were collected from Parit Raja drainage ditch and sent to Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development (MARDI) for fibre content (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn) concentration. From the result, the fibre content of E. dulcis show the potential for bioethanol with an average value of 37.62% cellulose, 21.31% hemicellulose and 12.25% lignin. Meanwhile, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations were 2.78, 0.63 and 2423.51 mg/kg, respectively. These values were low compared to WHO/FAO (2007), EN 13432 and Malaysia Food Regulations 1985, except for Zn, which has a slightly higher value indicating that it is suitable to be used as a bio-based straw. In conclusion, E. dulcis had the potential as biomaterial straws and bioethanol based on the chemical compositions. Therefore, the productions are recommended for further analyses of the bioproduct performances.