Water Hyacinth, an Invasive Species in Africa: A Literature Review
Water hyacinth is without a doubt the water invader that causes the most harm to water bodies. Water hyacinths originated from Eastern Mediterranean, West Asia, and Central Asia; they are cultivated and loved worldwide. According to reports, water hyacinth has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources
2023
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12493/1356 |
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| Summary: | Water hyacinth is without a doubt the water invader that causes the most
harm to water bodies. Water hyacinths originated from Eastern
Mediterranean, West Asia, and Central Asia; they are cultivated and loved
worldwide. According to reports, water hyacinth has anti-inflammatory,
antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The plant extracts can also be used
to treat cholera, sore throats, and snake bites, as well as to scent hair. Water
hyacinth Pontederia crassipes (Eichhornia crassipes) has proliferated rapidly
in African inland waters, posing numerous threats to fisheries by reducing
the existence of some species; water quality by lowering levels of dissolved
oxygen; human health and the environment by introducing various disease causing pathogens and harbouring dangerous animals. The hyacinths further
impact human activities by blocking waterways for fishing and destroying
habitat for some fish to bread properly. Tourism and navigation are also
affected by limiting access to recreational areas, especially for boat cruising.
Fishing; effects on fishing activities and effect on plankton production, which
is the main food. Different control methods have been utilised and others
suggested in Africa, although it has not been fully controlled as it is highly
reproductive and still a menace in African inland waters. The most
commonly used control measures are biological and physical controls. As a
recommendation, all methods should be used in water bodies to reduce its
spread as quickly as possible although with caution on chemical methods. In
relation to water hyacinth and its effects on terrestrial animals, there is still a
need for much research to still be done; however, it is an aquatic plant that is
not wanted in many places does not mean it should be eradicated. Its use to
produce biogas could be helpful in reducing the challenges that come with it. |
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