EWAP. Bio based material from Po River aquatic vegetation: a DIY design.

Freshwater ecosystems around the world are facing increasing challenges due to rising temperatures in urban areas, leading to the proliferation of invasive aquatic vegetation, among other consequences. This study focuses on the case of Elodea nuttallii in the river Po, Turin (Italy), where maual eradication has been identified as the most effective method of environmental control. However, this approach generates significant amounts of plant biomass that is currently treated as organic waste. To address this problem, this research investigates the potential of utilising aquatic plant biomass as a valuable raw material for the production of biobased materials to replace fossil-based plastics. Through a preliminary analysis, various procedures were developed to explore the opportunities offered by aquatic plant biomass. The study was conducted in the laboratory, using a do-it-yourself approach as a method to understand the potential of this biomass. Subsequently, Material Tinkering was adopted to evaluate samples of biobased materials and assess their characteristics and properties. The results of this study indicate that several samples of biobased materials derived from aquatic plant biomass show promising characteristics and properties. These results suggest interesting possibilities for full-scale applications in the context of the circular economy, particularly in sectors such as footwear. By exploiting the potential of aquatic plant biomass, it becomes possible to replace fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives, contributing to the reduction of the environmental impact associated with conventional materials. Overall, this research highlights the potential of utilising aquatic invasive vegetation as a valuable resource, thus turning a significant environmental challenge into an opportunity for sustainable innovation. The results emphasise the importance of the transition to a circular economy model, in which waste materials can be transformed into valuable resources, fostering environmental conservation and promoting sustainable development.