biological control – Aquarius-Systems

Glyphosate Risks in Water Hyacinth Control Highlight Concerns

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:37:41 +0000

Water hyacinth, one of the most invasive aquatic plants, poses serious threats to waterbodies across India, including Pashan Lake in Pune and Powai Lake in Mumbai. As municipal authorities struggle to manage these infestations, the use of herbicides such as glyphosate is being considered as a cheaper and quicker solution. However, applying glyphosate to control water hyacinth can have long-term harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems. Glyphosate breaks down into aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), which remains toxic and continues to affect aquatic life. It reduces oxygen levels by promoting the decay of dead plant matter, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic species. Additionally, glyphosate can disrupt the food chain by harming beneficial algae and microorganisms that support aquatic biodiversity.

The risks of using glyphosate go beyond immediate environmental concerns. Studies suggest that its residues in waterbodies can accumulate over time, affecting not just fish but also amphibians and other organisms. In sensitive habitats, such as those with crocodiles or endemic species, these chemicals may alter reproductive cycles and hinder growth, leading to population declines. Furthermore, introducing glyphosate without addressing pollution sources, such as sewage inflow, only provides a temporary fix. Experts emphasize the need for thorough environmental assessments and long-term monitoring before opting for chemical interventions. Sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, such as biological control using weevils or mechanical removal, offer safer solutions to protect India’s vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.

June 2018 Newsletter

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:15:33 +0000

Trash Hunter Cleaning up Kentucky Lakes

Compost: An Effective Water Filter

Waters Around East Hampton Mostly Healthy

Crews Begin Process of Cleaning Up Fishtrap Lake

Weevils Enlisted in War against Water Weed

Salvinia Minima Spreads in South Africa After Water Hyacinth Control

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:24:44 +0000

Hartbeespoort Dam in South Africa has a new invasive aquatic weed to battle, Salvinia minima. The proliferation of common salvinia, just as water hyacinth came under biological control through the combined efforts is no coincidence.

In areas that experience high levels of nutrient inflow (pollution), the control of one aquatic weed opens resources to other potentially invasive plant species creating a ‘secondary invasion event’. In the case of common salvinia, the ‘secondary invasion event’ is taking place just as resources such as light availability, space and nutrients, otherwise used by water hyacinth, have become available.

Read More https://foranglers.co.za/harties-a-new-invader-has-taken-over-salvinia-minima/

USACE Uses GPS Tracking to Improve Transparency of Aquatic Herbicide Applications

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:01:13 +0000

In order to stop the destruction of infrastructure by aquatic invasive species, USACE and its partners are using three methods of management: biological, mechanical, and chemical. Each process varies in its effectiveness depending on the species of aquatic plant being treated – leaving the team to rely heavily on data to determine the best method in invasive aquatic plant reduction.

For years, our public has called for more transparency on the process and efficacy of invasive plant management. Public feedback on management practices yielded many responses such as “no one is overseeing the contractors, and they are out there spraying everything.”

The urgent appeal has increased with the awareness of how precious our water resources are and the fragility of the ecosystems that depends on them. A new device will provide more transparency on where and how much herbicide chemical contractors are applying by using a GPS tracker that will not only show the path of the boat, but the spray path as well.

The American Hippo Bill and Water Hyacinth Control Efforts

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 01:12:00 +0000

In 1909, the United States was suffering a shortage of meat. At the same time, Louisiana’s waterways were being choked by invasive water hyacinth. The solution seemed to be simple, the American Hippo Bill. Hippos could be imported to the United States to eat the water hyacinth and people can eat the hippos.

The bill did not pass as hippos are ill-tempered apex predators and not cooperative for ranching. However, the idea was not completely ridiculous.

In 2015, hippopotamuses from Botswana were used in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a biological control of water hyacinth. Researchers also used Florida manatees and giant guinea pig-like rodents from Brazil called capybaras to control the invasive aquatic plants.

In their native habitat, hippos mainly eat aquatic plants, including hyacinth, which they devour at a rate of 200 to 300 pounds a day. Special measures needed to be taken to keep onlookers at bay as the ill-tempered hippos are highly territorial and would likely attack people who encroach on their turf.