Publisher : Biodiversity Journal
Place of publication :
Publication year : 2013
Thematic : Biodiversity
Language : English
Note
Aquatic weeds may be defined as troublesome or unsightly plants growing in abundance in
aquatic situations where they are not wanted. These plants are either adapted to continuous
supplies of water or are at least tolerant to waterlogged soil conditions for substantial periods
of time. The wide range of adaptation to varying amounts of water, and the impossibility of
sharply distinguishing between aquatic and terrestrial environments, makes it difficult to
precisely define an aquatic plant. The menace of water weeds is reaching alarming proportions
in many parts of the world, especially in tropical water bodies where they have led to
serious ecological and economic losses. Lake Victoria, Kenya, which is the largest freshwater
body in the tropics, has undergone serious ecological changes including over-exploitation
of its fishery resources, degradation of the catchment area, introduction of exotic fish species
and invasion by the water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae),
among others. The presence of the weed in the lake has led to many problems including
blockage of water pumps, reduced fishing activities and increase in water borne diseases
such as schistosomiasis. Positively, aquatic weeds constitute a free crop of great potential
value; they are a highly productive crop that requires no tillage, fertilizer, seed, or cultivation.
Moreover, these plants have the potential for exploitation as animal feed, human food, source
of food to some aquatic organisms, soil additives, fuel production, wastewater treatment,
source of raw materials and habitat to many organisms. This paper reviews the effects of
aquatic weeds in aquatic systems with examples from some selected waterbodies and special
reference to Lake Victoria.
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Keywords : integrated-coastal-management
Encoded by : Pauline Carmel Joy Eje
