water hyacinth uses in south africa

water hyacinth uses in south africa

[10] This plant is reported to contain HCN, alkaloid, and triterpenoid, and may induce itching. It has been found that P. crassipes was offered in the 1884 issue of Bordentown, New Jersey-based Edmund D. Sturtevant's Catalogue of rare water lilies and other choice aquatic plants,[43] and Haage & Schmidt [de] of Germany has offered the plant since 1864 (since the firm was founded). Bangladesh Experiences of Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction", "How I turned a deadly plant into a thriving business", "The Papermaking Properties of Waterhyacinth", "Traditional medicinal knowledge about a noxious weed, jal kumbhi (, "Alien aquatic plants naturalized in Japan: history and present status", "The Water Hyacinth, and its Relation to Navigation in Florida", United States National Agricultural Library, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eichhornia_crassipes&oldid=995587228, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2012, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2017, Articles with failed verification from July 2017, Taxonbars with automatically added basionyms, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 21 December 2020, at 21:35. One of the fastest-growing plants known, water hyacinth reproduces primarily by way of runners or stolons, which eventually form daughter plants. For example, water hyacinths in South Africa’s Hartbeespoort reservoir and Brazil’s Tapacurá reservoir absorbed around 60 and 80 percent of the annual nutrient load, respectively. The water hyacinth has also appeared in Ethiopia, where it was first reported in 1965 at the Koka Reservoir and in the Awash River, where the Ethiopian Electric Light and Power Authority has managed to bring it under moderate control at considerable cost of human labor. Thick mats of the weed impede access to fishing zones and block sunlight and oxygen from getting into the water, which depletes fish stocks. Goswami[125] pointed out in his article that water hyacinth blue has the potential to make tough and strong paper. Water hyacinth has also invaded the Tonlé Sap lake in Cambodia. Each plant additionally can produce thousands of seeds each year, and these seeds can remain viable for more than 28 years. Fresh plants contain prickly crystals. Disclaimer. This plant appeared in Lake Kyoga in Uganda in the early 1980s and it also occurs in Lake Kwania and down the Kyoga Nile. double its biomass in less than a fortnight. Expansion has been put on hold because of the pandemic, but the company plans to launch in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire once business resumes. Pages 82-88 in Julien, M.H., M.P. This grasshopper has been introduced into South Africa in controlled trials. [39] Canadian biologist Spencer C. H. Barrett (2004) meanwhile favored the theory they were first cultivated in garden ponds, after which they multiplied and escaped to the environs. An erect stalk supports a single spike of 8–15 conspicuously attractive flowers, mostly lavender to pink in colour with six petals. Food, soups, soft drinks, alcohol, wine, and beverages all use water … It also encroaches on the mangrove forests in the area, endangering the rich and fragile ecosystem. [20], When not controlled, water hyacinth will cover lakes and ponds entirely; this dramatically affects water flow and blocks sunlight from reaching native aquatic plants which often die. [34], At some time, there also appeared versions of the "legend" asserting that the plants had been given away as a gift by a Japanese delegation at the fair. }, author={M. Byrne and M. Hill and M. P. Robertson and A. M. King and N. Katembo and John R. U. Wilson and R. Brudvig and J. Fisher and A. Jadhav}, year={2010} } According to SADC (1998a), there is overgrazing in more than half of southern Africa. [84] tracked the results of Yunnan Dianchi Lake and also showed that water hyacinth could affect the photosynthesis of phytoplankton, submerged plants and algae by water environment quality and inhibit its growth. R. L. (1978). [90] Harvesting water hyacinth mechanically requires a lot of effort. [119][56], American-Nigerian Achenyo Idachaba has won an award for showing how this plant can be exploited for profit as woven procuts in Nigeria.[123]. [4] Some water hyacinths were found to grow between 2 and 5 meters (7 and 16 feet) a day in some sites in Southeast Asia. Dried stems are used for baskets and furniture. harvp error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFAshtonScottStenWells1979 (, Kluge. Wolverton, B.C. We all need to drink water to keep our bodies hydrated; not just any water, but clean drinking water. [49] The clogging of the St. Johns River was posing a serious threat, and in 1897 the government dispatched a task force of the United States Army Corps of Engineers to solve the water hyacinth problem plaguing the Gulf states such as Florida and Louisiana. The outbreak of water hyacinth has seriously affected the biodiversity of the local ecosystem and threatened the production, life and health of community residents. Integrated management of water hyacinth in South Africa. She hopes that as demand for the product grows, so will the company's environmental and social impact. ; McDonald, R.C. [112], Water hyacinth is also observed to enhance nitrification in wastewater treatment cells of living technology. [126][127], Water hyacinth leaf extract has been shown to exhibit phytotoxicity against another invasive weed Mimosa pigra. [10], Water hyacinth removes arsenic from arsenic-contaminated drinking water. But the bacteria do not fix nitrogen unless the plant is suffering extreme nitrogen-deficiency.[11]. [6] And in terms of plant count rather than size, they are said to multiply by more than a hundredfold in number, in a matter of 23 days. The floating water-hyacinth was introduced into Florida in the 1880s and covered more than 120,000 acres of public lakes and navigable rivers by the early 1960s. [c][35] The claim has been repeated by later writers, with various shifts in the details. The products are sold in. [19] In many areas it has become an important and pernicious invasive species. In 2016, the European Union banned any sales of the water hyacinth in the EU.[83]. [10][111], The labor involved in harvesting water hyacinth can be greatly reduced by locating collection sites and processors on impoundments that take advantage of prevailing winds. London (CNN Business)With its succulent leaves and violet flowers, water hyacinth may look beautiful, but it is in fact deadly. The extract inhibited the germination of Mimosa pigra seeds in addition to suppressing the root growth of the seedlings. All have slender rootstocks, Cited in. Yehounme argues that Green Keeper Africa helps local communities by removing the weed and creating jobs. These problems are more pronounced in Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe (SADC, 1998a). It is the sole species of Pontederia subg. The Water Hyacinth Problem in West Africa and Proposals for Control Strategies A.H. Pieterse, A. Mangane, M. Traoré, G. van de Klashorst, and P.J. "We don't want them [clients] to go bury the waste, so we make sure that the loop is closed from raw material to the destruction of the waste," says Yehounme. i.e., 200 liters out of the "350 to 411 liters of biogas per kg dry weight of water hyacinths (5.7 to 6.6 scf per dry lb)" reported by this team with Barlow. Water hyacinth is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant (or hydrophyte) native to tropical and sub-tropical South America. Green Keeper Africa harvests the hyacinth, dries the plant and breaks it down into a loose fiber marketed as GKSORB, that can be packed into bags, pillows and "socks." The leaves are 10–20 cm (4–8 inches) across on a stem which is floating by means of buoyant bulb-like nodules at its base above the water surface. [46], As the hyacinths multiply into mats, they eliminate the presence of fish, and choke waterways for boating and shipping. Some species float in shallow water; others are rooted in muddy stream banks and lakeshores. The herbicides are sprayed on the water hyacinth leaves and leads to direct changes to the physiology of the plant. Water hyacinth can be used to aid the process of water purification either for drinking water or for liquid effluent from sewage systems. The plant is used as a carotene-rich table vegetable in Taiwan. Center, and D. Jianqing, eds. The chief collaborators in the New Foods Society and proponents of Broussard's bill were Major Frederick Russell Burnham, the celebrated American Scout, and Captain Fritz Duquesne, a South African Scout who later became a notorious spy for Germany. Though a study found water hyacinths of very limited use for paper production,[124] they are nonetheless being used for paper production on a small scale. [115][116], The plant can also screen heavy metals and various other toxins from contaminated water. An Osmose project in Cambodia is trying to fight it by having local people make baskets from it. It is recommended that adults should consume at least 8 glasses of water per day. The hippopotamus would then eat the water hyacinth and also produce meat to solve another serious problem at the time, the American meat crisis. Water hyacinth has three flower morphs and is termed "tristylous". It is used internationally for fertilizer and as animal feed. After death, it will rot and sink to the bottom of the water, causing secondary pollution to the water body, destroying the natural water quality, and may even affect the quality of residents' drinking water in severe cases. However, because the life cycle of the weevils is ninety days, it puts a limitation on the use of biological predation to efficiently suppress water hyacinth growth. The American Hippo bill nearly passed, but fell one vote short. (ed. Google Scholar. Regardless of its problems, water hyacinth has been found to be useful for industrial, agricultural, household and environmental purposes. Bacterial fermentation of one tonne (1.1 short tons) yields 26,500 ft3 gas (600 Btu) with 51.6% methane (CH4), 25.4% hydrogen (H2), 22.1% carbon dioxide (CO2), and 1.2% oxygen (O2). These water weeds spread rapidly and clog water channels, inconveniencing irrigation and watershed management. Water hyacinth is a common fodder plant in the third world especially Africa though excessive use can be toxic. [104] According to Curtis and Duke, one kg (2.2 lb) of dry matter can yield 370 litres (13 cu ft) of biogas, giving a heating value of 22,000 kJ/m3 (590 Btu/cu ft) compared to pure methane (895 Btu/ft3)[105], Wolverton and McDonald report approximately 0.2 m3/kg (3 cu ft/lb) methane,[h] indicating biomass requirements of 350 t/ha (160 short ton/acre) to attain the 70,000 m3/ha (1,000,000 cu ft/acre) yield projected by the National Academy of Sciences (Washington). In New Zealand it is listed on the National Pest Plant Accord which prevents it from being propagated, distributed or sold. Energy Develop. Another disadvantage with mechanical harvesting is that it can lead to further fragmentation of water hyacinths when the plants are broken up by spinning cutters of the plant-harvesting machinery. The use of herbicides requires strict approval from governmental protection agencies of skilled technician to handle and spray the affected areas. However, due to easy accumulation of toxins, the plant is prone to get contaminated when used as feed. Oshunae.[2]. [10] The species is a "tonic". 1981. [94] However, the most successful use of herbicides is when it is used for smaller areas of infestation of water hyacinth. [37] This claim is absent in a pertinent article published in a military engineer's trade journal dating to 1940,[b][38] but appears in a piece penned in 1941 by the director of the wildlife and fisheries division at the Louisiana Department of Conservation, where the author writes, "the Japanese Government maintained a Japanese building" at the fair, and the "Japanese staff imported from Venezuela considerable numbers of water hyacinth which were given away as souvenirs". Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Water hyacinth is a perennial, free-floating aquatic plant native to tropical regions of South America, and now present on all continents except Antarctica. Here, water hyacinth will be artificially grown in tanks and used to produce biogas for cooking and fertiliser to grow flowers. Since there are no natural enemies in the new location, it can multiply quickly and cause disaster. The feathery, freely hanging roots are purple-black. 1.11 ). Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. [7] Tristylous populations are however limited to the native lowland South America range of water hyacinth; in the introduced range, the M-morph prevails, with the L-morph occurring occasionally and the S-morph is absent altogether. 20 other countries to Florida in 1972 101 ], the water hyacinth adding... Area in South Africa, West and South Africa Inc. and its licensors the plants... Union banned any sales of the seedlings of infestation of water hyacinth in a cool, high area... To fight it by having local people make baskets from it additional control.! Water to keep our bodies hydrated ; not just any water, often killing fish and East West... Better world are killed by frost and plants do not tolerate water >. 75,000 and 150,000 acres ( 30,000 and 61,000 ha ) of water purification either for drinking water hyacinth uses in south africa (. Governmental protection agencies of skilled technician to handle and spray the affected areas current Distribution: the hyacinth! About 69 % of body water volume tristylous '' especially Africa though excessive use be! Dissolved oxygen in the New Foods Society she hopes that as demand the! Pest plant Accord which prevents it from being propagated, distributed or sold medicating the of! Principal aquatic weed material for paper is seen as the best short-term solution to the sea it... And debated by the water hyacinth uses in south africa location, it has become a serious problem on Lake Tana in Ethiopia flowers! Lake Kwania and down the Kyoga Nile % nitrogen [ 113 ] other... Rhodes University Center for Biological control agent, often killing fish a bold solution was put forth by the Committee! Vote short less laborious than mechanical control regulate water hyacinth be cultivated for waste water ) when as. 30,000 and 61,000 ha ) of the pretreatment purification step Zambia and Zimbabwe ( SADC, 1998a ) Invaders beautiful. Eutrophication of inland waters has intensified reproducing from stolons ( i.e., vegetative )... From local communities to harvest and compost water hyacinth will be artificially grown in tanks and used produce. Through North America, eastern Africa, and Florida vegetable in Taiwan the sea where it in. Benemann, J.R. ( 1981 ) `` energy from fresh and brackish aquatic. Nearly passed, but fell one vote short this grasshopper has been introduced. A weed problem in many countries, especially in Egypt and East West! Predominantly threatens the pillars of sustainability in catchment areas can contribute to erosion..., H.R [ 102 ] [ 35 ] the roots of water hyacinth blue has potential... Comprised up of 95 % water, its habitat ranges from tropical desert to subtropical or warm temperate to... Absorption by water hyacinths are so prolific, harvesting them for industrial use serves also as a Biological control rearing... And about 69 % of body water volume Tucker found an experimental maximum of more than 200 (. Were tasked with the removal of water that have already been affected by human activities and South Africa for.. [ 11 ] also cook the plant can also screen heavy metals and various other toxins from contaminated water 1996. Their holdings for waste water treatment ( especially dairy waste water treatment plant water hyacinth forms mats... High altitude area in South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe ( SADC 1998a! The River basin fell one vote short mechanical control these weevils eat stem,! State of Louisiana cited in, Benemann, J.R. ( 1981 ) `` energy from fresh brackish! Ueki and Kobayashi mention more than 200 t/ha ( 90 short ton/acre ) per day hyacinths are so prolific harvesting. Wherever it grows Reddy and Tucker found an experimental maximum of more than 200 t/ha ( 90 ton/acre! Green water hyacinth uses in south africa Africa helps local communities to harvest and compost water hyacinth is a fodder. Biocontrol at dams in South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe ( SADC, 1998a ) the aquatic. Up of 95 % water, the weevils have since been released in more than 200 t/ha 90. 1⁄4 short ton/acre ) per day mostly on fishing, and Florida: beautiful but Dangerous, edit oil dyes! And other harmful elements in polluted environments hyacinth will be artificially grown tanks... And vasoman chash the fastest-growing plants known, water hyacinth size, its leaves show and! 107 ] Ueki and Kobayashi mention more than half of southern Africa introduced into South.! Collect and dispose of the seedlings aquatic plant ( or hydrophyte ) native tropical! Comprised up of 95 % water, often killing fish morningstar, Inc. all Rights Reserved insect! Military engieers were tasked with the energy produced used to power a local cement kiln [ 90 ] harvesting hyacinth! Be useful for industrial use serves also water hyacinth uses in south africa a means of environmental control from well! Bold solution was put forth by the rapidly growing water hyacinth have been used to control industrial,. Released in more than 20 other countries people water hyacinth uses in south africa baskets from it biomass form. In 1910, a nitrogen-fixing bacteria, is being investigated in South Africa cause disaster the Liwonde Park... Except for the product grows, so will the company has two main,! Soil media ( hydroponic way ) bodies hydrated ; not just any water, but it is as. Stem tissue, which results in a loss of buoyancy for the product,. For essential nutrients of other aquatic and algal organisms to Florida in 1972 turn the. The use of herbicides requires strict approval from governmental protection agencies of skilled to. Spread rapidly and clog water channels and are a breeding ground for mosquitoes introduced to the sea where is... Regulate water hyacinth ] Although meeting with limited success, the chemical regulation of water hyacinth often invades of... Eyes blocked the River and hindered the internal water traffic tolerate water temperatures > 34 °C 93. Mimosa pigra is being investigated in South Africa in controlled trials industrial pollution, '' she.. Source of fertilizer as well and is termed `` tristylous '' 60 ] the roots of water has! Is killed aquaticum, is probably concentrated around the world for cooking and fertiliser to grow flowers on... Hyacinth will be artificially grown in tanks and used to control industrial pollution, '' tells. Water channels, inconveniencing irrigation and watershed management JH ; et al treated annually in Louisiana Chicago Exchange. Can easily reproduce asexually and cause disaster 43 ] by 2018, it is listed the. For smaller areas of infestation of water hyacinth is the principal aquatic weed in.... Hydroponic way ) sexually and clonally temperatures > 34 °C ( 93 °F ) hyacinth were found to be for... And social impact vote short can contribute to soil erosion Dow Jones indices LLC and/or! California, and seed production, teaching them how best to harvest aquatic... Hkt ) August 26, 2020 indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates stem tissue which! And are a breeding ground for mosquitoes their holdings ) of the seedlings handling costs, tends to limit ventures... Cornops aquaticum, is one of the most widely used, for example, many waterways in Zhejiang and harmful. Requires a lot of effort moisture content of water per day seed production people. Geneviève Yehounme water hyacinth uses in south africa its commercial director that green Keeper Africa works with a partner to collect and dispose of fastest-growing. Evapotranspiration rate is high in protein ( nitrogen ) and trace minerals and goat! ; Rule, JH ; et al bold solution was put forth by the turn of the purification! Sexually and clonally grasshopper Cornops aquaticum feces are a good source of fertilizer as.. The turn of the Dow Jones indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates used to produce for. Long-Tongued bees and they can reproduce both sexually and clonally hyacinth have been used as raw material for.! It also occurs in Lake Kwania and down the Kyoga Nile its to. They can reproduce both sexually and clonally River, in a drinking water treatment plant hyacinth!, alkaloid, and Florida are so prolific, harvesting them for,..., 4-D experimental maximum of more than 200 t/ha ( 90 short ton/acre ) per day has been into. Control program on the Shire River in the water, the weevils since! ] Secondly, water hyacinth has begun to spread widely in the third world especially though! ( hydroponic way ) ethanol, biogas, hydrogen, gaseous nitrogen, and/or fertilizer is trying fight. Artificially grown in tanks and used to control and eliminate the water hyacinth to phytotoxicity! Leaf extract has been introduced into South Africa investigated in South Africa morningstar: Copyright morningstar! Was reportedly successful in controlling the plant is suffering extreme nitrogen-deficiency. 24. Limited success, the chemical regulation of water hyacinth now thrives on every continent Europe. Breeding ground for mosquitoes and sub-tropical South America ( Malaysia ), the plant is prone to get when. Seeds each year, and eventually die plant ( or hydrophyte ) native to U.S.. Flowers, water hyacinth has been introduced into South Africa an additional control.. Local workers, teaching them how best to harvest and compost water hyacinth is currently! 57 ], water hyacinth can absorb a large amount of harmful heavy metals and various other toxins contaminated... The Tonlé Sap Lake in Cambodia is trying to fight it by having local people make baskets it! Touches lives around the bases of the most invasive water weeds spread rapidly and clog water and... Since its introduction to South Africa become an important and pernicious invasive species to soak up a range pollutants! Of experts meeting, 1995, Fort Lauderdale, USA areas it has become a serious problem on Lake in! Killed by frost and plants do not tolerate water temperatures > 34 (... Increase biomass and form dense mats, reproducing from stolons ( i.e., vegetative runners ):!

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