salvinia – Aquarius-Systems

Salvinia Threat Emerges in Lake Victoria Waters

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:16:39 +0000

A new invasive type of water hyacinth, Salvinia spp., has been discovered in Lake Victoria. It reproduces rapidly, doubling its biomass within 8 days due to high nutrient levels caused by human activities such as improper waste disposal and deforestation. Over 36 tons have already been removed, but the plant continues to spread, threatening fish populations, water transport, and biodiversity by depleting oxygen and reducing water quality.

The newly discovered Salvinia spp. in Lake Victoria likely entered the lake through contaminated fishing gear, boats, or water currents connecting nearby ecosystems. Unlike the regular water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which forms thick mats on the surface, Salvinia spp. spreads faster and is more resilient under varying environmental conditions. It depletes oxygen more aggressively, suffocating aquatic life and reducing biodiversity. This variant poses a greater ecological threat and requires immediate control measures.

The species negatively impacts fishing, tourism, and water supply, making urgent action necessary.

New Harvester Boosts Weed Removal on Ross River

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:46:55 +0000

Weeds on the Ross River have a new predator in town as Council launches its brand new 6.5 tonne weed harvester to combat invasive species in the waterway.

The aquatic weed harvester arrived in Townsville, Queensland, Australia from Aquarius Systems in the United States to replace Council’s older retiring harvester. The new model includes stainless steel fittings, a quieter engine, and the capacity to complete in one hour what the old harvester could do in one day.

“The harvester is an essential piece of equipment to remove invasive species like salvinia, water hyacinth and cabomba, which are native to the Americas,” Cr Molachino said.

Aquatic Weed Harvester Contracted to Remove Salvinia From Lakewood Community Lake

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 19:20:38 +0000

An aquatic weed believed to be salvinia molesta, which grew only along the shoreline in January, has multiplied so fast it now covers the entire surface of the water at Lakewood residential community, Pemulwuy, Australia.

The lake and its surrounds were home to an abundance of wildlife including ducks, pelicans and a pair of black swans, but that birdlife had thinned substantially since the weed coverage increased.

Due to unseasonably high temperatures has resulted in above-average water temperatures promoting the growth of the salvinia.
An aquatic weed harvester is being contracted to clear the lake of the invasive species and work is expected to last two weeks.