Abstract:
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipesi has become one of the most obnoxious freshwater
weeds \~ith numerous widespread infestations occurring in the North Western. Central and
Southern provinces in Sri Lanka. Water hyacinth competes with native plants and
phytoplankton in aquatic system for essential nutrients and space due to its rapid grow tho
Further it clogs waterways thereby restricting recreational activities including fishing and
navigation. lowers dissolved oxygen in water and limits light penetration due to the
formation of an extensive network of mats.
