Project details

The main objective of the project is to develop and apply the technology for manufacturing Fibrillated cellulose, in the form of pulp, which also contains Nanocellulose fiber, making use of Water Hyacinth as the raw material, and the pulp being polymerized along-with drying in suitable molds to generate Poly-Fibrillated cellulose Resin. The Poly-Fibrillated cellulose Resin can be employed as the binding Gum for manufacturing Particle boards, both laminated (mostly with melamine-formaldehyde resin) as well as without, i.e., MDF, and other boards as Tiles for floor, walls or ceiling, using various other fillers to form these composites. The particle boards or tiles have the additional important advantage of NOT having Formaldehyde, as found in majority of the Particle boards now being manufactured. A secondary objective is to characterize the structure and properties of the end-products and develop more applications for its use. Initial studies show that the material, i.e., processed cellulose, is a composite that contains a mix of macro-, micro- and nano- Cellulose fiber with interesting properties and with potential for a wide range of applications. Additional detailed studies are required to fully develop processing technologies to manufacture different types of products for diverse applications. With increasing awareness and emphasis on green operations and technology, the breadth and depth of potential use of this organic material can marginally increase. In this regard, even particle board manufacturers are awaiting new non- formaldehyde resins for producing particle boards, due to concerns over indoor air quality, since carcinogenic Formaldehyde (gas) evolves from commonly used Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) or Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) resin containing boards. The promoters of the project have already invested in a Prototype processing unit with limited manufacturing capability, and Patent has been awarded for the process as well as the products [India Patent 314150]. Additional work is required to extend the scale to pilot-plant level, perform material/product characterization, develop further applications, and establish technical and marketing strategies. This proposal provides detailed estimates of the technological and marketing resources required and also the funding required for making this transition possible.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE WEED MATS

As a result of its rapid growth and large biomass, E. crassipes has a range of detrimental effects, which include: Physical Interference with Water Transport, Communication and Access. Gopal (1987) refers to serious interference with navigation in Southern USA, South Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, Congo and Sudan. Annual costs of control or removal have, in the past, amounted to millions of dollars on the Panama Canal, on the Nile in Sudan, on the Congo and have been as much as $35 million in southern USA. Costs of controlling water hyacinth in Malaysia have been estimated at M$ 10 million per year (Mahomed et al., 1992), while Harley et al. (1996) quoting this figure, state that present actual costs are believed to be much higher. In recent years, the operation of Port Bell, Uganda, on Lake Victoria has been seriously threatened and costs have involved $1 million for a mechanical harvester, as well as the loss of trade at times when the port was completely blocked (Hill, 1999). Infestations are also increasing in Ethiopia, creating a range of problems including restricted access (Aweke, 1994). Harley et al. (1996) refer to ‘devastating effects’ on socio-economic structure and on the environment in the lower flood plain of the Sepik river in Papua New Guinea resulting from problems of access to subsistence gardens, hunting and fishing areas, and markets. The same authors refer to the recent increase in water hyacinth infestations in West Africa which are resulting in serious disruption of the socio-economic structure, food supply and health of several million people. In Nigeria, Alimi and Akinyemiju (1991) showed that costs of fuel and repairs to boats on infested waterways was approximately three times that on un-infested waterways. The problem has also been increasing recently in Mali (Dembele et al., 2000). Economic losses also result from interference with recreational uses of water bodies (for example, Gopal, 1987; Aweke, 1994; Cilliers et al., 1996).

Interference with Fishing

This effect is most acute for small-scale inland fishing communities. Apart from the problems of access to fishing grounds and interference with the spreading or retrieval of nets or with landing their catch, there are serious effects on fish stocks and fish breeding. Although a sparse cover of water hyacinth may not reduce fish and may even be used to advantage in some fishing techniques (Gopal, 1987), a dense infestation can lead to de-oxygenation and kill-off fish or reduce fish stocks. Gopal (1987) refers to heavy losses of fish production in the Congo, Nile and other rivers and in Pakistan and to losses amounting to 45 million kg in West Bengal, India in the 1950s, and reductions of 70% in fish production in the USA as a result of a cover of only 25%, presumably due to reduction of phosphorus levels and phytoplankton. The shallow water of lake edges can be especially important spawning areas for fish and a dense cover of water hyacinth can interfere severely with fish breeding. Hill (1999) refers to this phenomenon on Lake Victoria where the estimated 10,000 ha of the weed includes an almost continuous fringe along the shoreline extending to at least 10 m. Labrada (1996) quotes fuel costs increased by a factor of 2-3 and fish catches down 50-75% on parts of Lake Victoria. Fishermen affected by another relatively new infestation, in the Shire river in Malawi, report reduced catches which are not confirmed by the locally available statistics but there is no doubt fishermen are being troubled by a reduced range of fish species, loss of nets and impeded access (Terry, 1996).

Risks of Mechanical Damage to Hydro-electric Installations and Other Structures such as Bridges.

Expensive barriers or mechanical harvesters may be needed to minimize these risks, for example, to the Owen Falls Dam on Lake Victoria (Hill, 1999). Elsewhere, there are similar concerns in South Africa (Harley et al., 1996), Brazil (Pitelli, 2000), New Zealand (Clayton, 2000) and Ethiopia (Aweke, 1994).

Reduced Irrigation Flow can indirectly cause Crop Loss but there can also be Direct Interference and Competition from Water hyacinth where it occurs in Flooded Rice.

Such losses have been estimated at many million dollars in West Bengal, India and as significant in many other countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan and Portugal (Gopal, 1987).

Nang’alelwa (2008) summarizes the socioeconomic effects in the Victoria Falls World Heritage site in Zambia. Major impacts include effects on the generation of hydro electric power, tourism development, native biodiversity, fish catches and human health. Other recorded impacts are reduced quality and quantity of water for domestic use, restricted navigation of waterways and the threat posed to vital infrastructure.

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