Lake Naivasha in Kenya is severely impacted by the invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), which disrupts ecosystems by depleting oxygen, blocking waterways, and promoting mosquito breeding. This affects local livelihoods, particularly fishing, and reduces flood protection. However, water hyacinth has some uses, such as in phytoremediation and eco-friendly products.
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Kenya's popular Lake Naivasha is affected by water hyacinth, which has taken over large parts of it.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a floating aquatic plant known for its clusters of spongy stems and beautiful purple flowers. Native to South America, it has become an invasive species causing significant ecological and economic damage in more than 50 countries, including Kenya.
Aspect |
Details |
Scientific Name |
Eichhornia crassipes (Family: Pontederiaceae) |
Appearance |
Floating leaves with spongy stems, beautiful purple flowers, and rapid growth in bodies of water. |
Habitat |
Native to South America, it is now widespread in water bodies globally, often disrupting ecosystems. |
Impact on the Environment |
|
Oxygen Depletion |
Dense mats reduce dissolved oxygen levels, harm fish populations, and increase Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). |
Blocking Waterways |
Thick mats block waterways, impeding navigation, recreation, and flood control. |
Increased Mosquito Breeding |
Standing water around mats creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. |
Decomposition |
Releases large amounts of rotting plant material, further depleting oxygen and affecting water quality. |
Economic and Social Impact |
|
Livelihood of Fishermen |
Disrupts fishing activities, negatively affecting the livelihood of local fishermen. |
Flood Protection |
Blocks water flow and reduces the effectiveness of flood protection systems. |
Uses of Water Hyacinth |
|
Phytoremediation |
Used to clean contaminated water by trapping toxic chemicals and heavy metals. |
Eco-friendly Products |
Utilized in creating sustainable products, generating employment opportunities in some regions. |
Feature |
Details |
Location |
Southern Rift Valley, Kenya |
Geological Origin |
Recent geological origin; surrounded by extinct or dormant volcanoes |
Water Source |
Fed by perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers, draining the Aberdare Mountains in central Kenya |
Flora |
Papyrus reeds (Cyperus papyrus) along the coastline; submerged plants such as Potamogeton species; floating rafts of exotic water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) |
Fauna |
Diverse waterfowl community and many large mammals |
Economic Activities |
Freshwater provision; flower growing; fishing; geothermal energy production |
Conservation Status |
Designated as a Ramsar site |
Source:
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Lake Naivasha:
How many of the above statements is/are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Lake Naivasha is located in the Southern Rift Valley, not the Northern Rift Valley, and is surrounded by dormant or extinct volcanoes, not active ones. Statement 2 is correct: Lake Naivasha is fed by the Malewa and Gilgil rivers from the Aberdare Mountains. Statement 3 is correct: The lake’s flora includes papyrus reeds, submerged plants, and floating water hyacinth. |
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