What once clogged local waterways is now a promising solution for cleaner, safer food. A group of students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) has created SteriLiz, a natural antibacterial spray made from water hyacinth, a plant often considered a nuisance. This innovation was born from both environmental concern and a growing awareness of food hygiene. The team—Rahmadevi Mashlahatunnisa’, Andini Dwi Nurzarina, Ananda Ratna Sari, Intana Puspitasari, Anisah Daffa, and Citra Nareswari—turned a local problem in Seyegan, Sleman into a valuable opportunity to promote health and sustainability.
Team leader Rahmadevi shared that the idea came after observing water hyacinth’s uncontrolled spread in ponds. “Many people see it as a weed, but we saw its potential,” she said. Scientific studies show that water hyacinth contains natural antibacterial compounds, which the students extracted to create a gentle yet effective spray for cleaning fruits and vegetables.
As concerns over food safety have grown—especially since the pandemic—Andini noted that public attention to hygiene doesn’t always extend to what we eat. “We realized that while people are sanitizing their hands, they’re not always doing the same for their food. That’s where SteriLiz comes in,” she explained. Lab tests confirmed the spray’s ability to reduce bacterial contamination, making it a safe and practical addition to any household kitchen.
Beyond offering a health-conscious product, this innovation highlights the students’ commitment to sustainable living. By transforming an environmental burden into a useful solution, SteriLiz reflects the kind of creative, socially conscious thinking UNY encourages in its students—where science, nature, and community well-being come together.
