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Water Hyacinth

About Water Hyacinth

  • It is a floating aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin but has spread to various regions around the world, including India.
  • It is known for its beautiful purple flowers and broad, glossy leaves.
  • Habitat: Prefers freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and ponds but can also thrive in brackish water.

Negative Impacts of Water Hyacinth

  • It depletes oxygen levels in the water, which can harm aquatic life.
  • Its excessive growth chokes native aquatic plants and diminishes biodiversity by outcompeting them for essential resources.

Positive Impacts/Uses of Water Hyacinth

  • Harvested water hyacinths can be transformed into sustainable products, such as crafts and furniture.
  • It can absorb heavy metals and toxins, helping to mitigate water pollution.
  • It can be processed into animal feed, compost, and bioenergy.
Invasive Alien Species
  • Plants, animals or other organisms that are introduced into an environment where they are not native and can cause harm to the environment, economy or human health.
  • E.g. Lantana camara, Congress grass, African Catfish etc.

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About the Author

Sakshi Gupta is a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. Her objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. She has over five years of work experience in Ed-tech sector. She strive to make her content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!