Water hyacinth: Review of its impacts on hydrology and ecosystem services-Lessons for management of Lake Tana
Book Chapter
Dersseh, MG, Melesse, AM, Tilahun, SA et al. (2019). Water hyacinth: Review of its impacts on hydrology and ecosystem services-Lessons for management of Lake Tana
. 237-251. 10.1016/B978-0-12-815998-9.00019-1
Dersseh, MG, Melesse, AM, Tilahun, SA et al. (2019). Water hyacinth: Review of its impacts on hydrology and ecosystem services-Lessons for management of Lake Tana
. 237-251. 10.1016/B978-0-12-815998-9.00019-1
Water hyacinth is a free floating aquatic weed native to South America. It has spread to tropical and subtropical parts of the World since 1800s. Climatic and water conditions are the main determinant factors for the growth and expansion of water hyacinth. The weed has substantial negative impacts on hydrology, socioeconomics, and aquatic ecosystem. Although hyacinth preventive strategies are best, once water bodies are infested, integrated measures are recommended to manage the weed. Lake Tana, largest fresh water body in Ethiopia, is recently infested by water hyacinth since 2011. The area sensitive to water hyacinth infestation in Lake Tana is estimated to be about 24,800ha, which covers ≤6m of the lake depth, excluding the surrounding wetlands and flood plains. The lessons for management of Lake Tana water hyacinth are employing preventive and integrated management approaches. Reducing pollutant loads and nutrient enrichment through integrated watershed management is also suggested to reduce the Lake eutrophication.
