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Water hyacinth is a major invasive plant species in Lake Victoria . While native to the continent of South America, human activity introduced the plant to Lake Victoria, where it negatively affects local ecosystems.
The exact time and place of introduction of water hyacinth into Africa has been a topic of debate. As its flowers are reputed for their beauty, it may have been brought over as an ornamental for garden ponds by Belgian colonists in Rwanda and Burundi. [1] Water hyacinth is currently theorised to have physically entered Lake Victoria from Rwanda via the Kagera River, [2] most likely in the 1980s. The hyacinth has since spread prolifically, due to a lack of natural predators, an abundance of space, and agreeable temperature conditions. Abundant nutrients are also present in the lake, exacerbated by increasing levels of heavy metal pollution in the lake. [3] [4]
The population of water hyacinths increased rapidly between 1992 and 1998. Their population was greatly reduced by 2001, but has since resurged to a lesser degree.[ citation needed ][ may be outdated as of February 2025 ] Management techniques include insect controls and manual beach cleanup efforts. [5] Water hyacinth infestations are rarely exterminated in full; instead, they must be continually managed to prevent excessive regrowth. [1] [6]
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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, gastro-intestinal disorders, and bilharzia/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]
There are also indications that water hyacinths can provide benefits to the Lake Victoria Region. [7] Water hyacinths have been planted in an attempt to purify eutrophicated water. [8] Once established, the plants can be harvested and used for biogas production, [9] fertilizer, and other things. [10] In 2018, two biogas digesters were installed in the village of Dunga in Kenya, with many more slated to be installed in Kenya. [11] Water hyacinth can also be tested for other uses, like sea cucumber that is being used to make some medicine from its chitin and chitosan.[ citation needed ]
