Introduction:

The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a tropical species that has characteristics with biotechnological potential; however, its chemical composition may vary depending on the geographical area and climatic conditions, which influences its end use.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of the collection site (Mexico City, Hidalgo, Jalisco and Tabasco) and morphological part of the Eichhornia crassipes plant on its chemical composition for biotechnological applications.

Methodology:

The water hyacinth was sectioned into three parts and analyzed to establish a relationship according to the geographical collection area.

Results:

Heterogeneous behavior was observed; both the geographical area and the plant section have a strong impact on the plant’s chemical composition. The highest ash concentration was observed in the Tabasco samples (25 % in stalks and 16 % in leaves), while the lignin concentration was the highest in the Hidalgo samples (11 % in leaves and 6 % in stalks). On the other hand, solvent-extractable compounds were highest in the stalks of all samples, and water-extractable compounds were highest in the leaves. Holocellulose content was the constituent with the least variability.

Study limitations:

Samples were collected from only three geographical areas of Mexico, so it is necessary to extend the study to more regions.

Originality:

This is the first study carried out in Mexico that compares both the effect of the collection area and the section of the water hyacinth on its chemical composition.

Conclusions:

For the processing of the water hyacinth, it is important to take into account the geographical area and the plant part.

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