Environmental implication of water Hyacinth infestation on surface water, utilization and control

Water hyacinth, the aquatic weed infestation on the available fresh water bodies has remain a global expanding threat. This weed is spreading stronger than all effort and measures put in place for its elimination. However, studies from literature have proved that several countries are not relenting on providing new solutions to tackle this invasive weed. The reason lies in the danger of abandonment and neglection when compared to the present threat it poses on fresh water courses, water users and the aquatic ecosystem. These threat ranges from water transportation difficulties, water quality and quantity issue, socio economic threat, aquatic ecosystem, environmental and human health implications. This current review focused on assessing the present situation of water hyacinth spread in South Western part of Nigeria. The objectives are narrowed on appraisal of effort made on eradicating this invasive weed and incorporating community participation effort in control mechanism. Reconnaissance visits and field observation survey was employed to few selected water bodies ranging from local rivers, stream and canals to observed the situation and the rate of infestation. The extent of infestation on this weed from the observation made is alarming and suffocating most available fresh water body in this region. Negligence attitude and ignorance on the necessity to protect these vital natural resources has become the reality of the moment. Recommendations focused on creating awareness on the negative impact of the weed, engaging community participation in control practices and utilization of the weed potentials at local level. This review further highlighted the urgent need of proactive community participation to curbed this menace rather than waiting for the debilitated Government intervention.