Hello, I am Sofia Tress!
Tell us what the water concern in your country is!We live in San Pedro Balancan, Tabasco, in the border of Mexico and Guatemala. The nearby San Pedro River is of great cultural importance to the Mayan culture and connects a wide wetland network. However, pollution and the growth of aquatic weeds, which if uncontrolled, might harm fish and fisheries. The river is also a source of revenue to local communities, who also face a shortage of commercial fertilizers.
Biophyte, a life-giving weed
The San Pedro River, located in the border of Mexico and Guatemala, is of great importance to the Mayan culture, connects a wide wetland network, and is a revenue source to local communities, but is being affected by pollution and the growth of aquatic weeds. The rural border communities also face the scarcity of commercial fertilizers, which hinders their participation in productive programs. Here, we studied the potential use of aquatic weeds such as Eichhornia crassipes, P. stratiotes, and Salvinia molesta, to produce a biofertilizer. After performing physicochemical analysis, germination, and growth tests, we scientifically confirmed that the Biophyte fertilizer is safe and adequate for use by farmers. Finally, we also worked along the community to create know-how and awareness.
