Valorization of Water Hyacinth Biomass: Comprehensive Characterization and Production and Application of Activated Carbons

This study explored a potential route for valorizing the entire biomass from water hyacinth. Initially, the biomass underwent complete characterization, revealing high contents of ash (35%), extractives (25%), and monosaccharides (41%), with glucose being predominant (21%). Lignin content was low (19%), with a monomeric composition rich in G- and H-units (3.6% and 3.4%, respectively). The biomass exhibited a low calorific value (11 MJ/kg) and high oxygen content (62%), contrasted with low carbon