Problem of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.)) in Lake Tana (Ethiopia): Ecological, Economic, and Social Implications and Management Options

Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest body of fresh water, covering approximately 3,200 km2. Despite its multidisciplinary applications in Ethiopia and neighboring countries, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) is a significant problem in this large lake. This invasive weed first appeared...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of ecology 2023, Vol.2023, p.1-9
Main Authors: Getahun, Sewnet, Kefale, Habtamu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic plants
Asexual reproduction
Bird migration
Economics
Eichhornia crassipes
Floating plants
Fresh water
Invasive plants
Lakes
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Rivers
Seasons
Sediments
Seeds
Water bodies
Water hyacinths
Water resources
Weeds
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Summary:Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest body of fresh water, covering approximately 3,200 km2. Despite its multidisciplinary applications in Ethiopia and neighboring countries, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) is a significant problem in this large lake. This invasive weed first appeared in Lake Tana in 2011 and quickly spread to the water’s surface over the next two to three years. In this background, this article aims at reviewing the existing knowledge on the occurrence, impact, and management options for water hyacinths in Lake Tana. Water hyacinth is one of the most dangerous water weeds, causing a wide range of problems in bodies of water and water resources, including ecological, environmental, economic, and social consequences. Due to the weed species’ rapid spread via sexual and asexual reproduction, it covers a wide range of water bodies, and appropriate management options must be implemented before seriously affecting the water body and spreading to the Nile Basin.
ISSN:1687-9708
1687-9716
DOI:10.1155/2023/4618069