Water hyacinth has become a major invasive plant species in Lake Victoria and while it is native to the continent of South America, human activity has introduced the greenery to Lake Victoria, where it is claimed to have negatively affected local ecosystems.
Water hyacinth affects the Lake Victorian population in many negative ways. There are economic impacts when the weed blocks boat access. The effects on transportation and fishing are immediately felt. Where the weed is prolific, there is a general increase in several diseases, as the weed creates excellent breeding areas for mosquitoes and other insects. There are increased incidents of skin rash, cough, malaria, encephalitis, bilharzias, gastro-intestinal disorders, and schistosomiasis. Water hyacinth also interferes with water treatment, irrigation, and water supply.[3] It can smother aquatic life by deoxygenating the water, and it reduces nutrients for young fish in sheltered bays. It has blocked supply intakes for the hydroelectric plant, interrupting electrical power for entire cities. The weed also interrupts local subsistence fishing, blocking access to the beaches.[6]
According to recent climate change models, its distribution may expand into higher latitudes as temperatures rise, posing problems to formerly hyacinth free areas (Rahel and Olden, 2008).
No comments:
Post a Comment