Effects of Eutrophication and Different Water Levels on Overwintering of Eichhornia crassipes at the Northern Margin of Its Distribution in China

Abstract

When exotic species are introduced into new areas, establishment is a vital step in their invasion process. Therefore, overwintering strategies determine whether an exotic species from low latitudes can successfully invade middle- and high-latitude areas. In this study, we investigated the effects of nutrient and water drawdown on overwintering in an exotic aquatic plant from the tropical zone, Eichhornia crassipes, at the northern margin of its distribution in China. The population density, size of individuals, and the size and nitrogen concentration of overwintering organs (stem base) of E. crassipes that grew in high-nutrition water were greater than those that grew in low-nutrient water before winter. The overwinter survival rate of E. crassipes was significantly affected by the water level and nutrient. The thick and dense floating mat of E. crassipes can increase the temperature of water bodies; therefore, the overwinter survival rate of E. crassipes was higher in constant-water-level and high-nutrient treatment. In contrast, due to the loss of heat preservation provided by the floating mats and the low nitrogen concentration in the stem base, all individuals of E. crassipes died in constant-water-level and low-nutrient treatment. In the water-drawdown treatments, the stem base of E. crassipes was directly exposed to low-temperature air; therefore, the overwinter survival rate of E. crassipes was lower. Our results reveal that eutrophication can not only improve the competitiveness of E. crassipes but can also improve the survival rate of overwintering plants in temperate regions. Our study also suggests that removing nutrients from the water and regulating the water level can limit the invasion of E. crassipes in temperate and subtropical regions.

Distribution of Five Aquatic Plants Native to South America and Invasive Elsewhere under Current Climate

“…Nevertheless, wherever the water temperature is artificially warm enough (e.g., warming associated with industrial outflows, thermal waters), these species might establish. In addition, nutrients (eutrophication) and water drawdown can have positive effects on the overwintering of alien aquatic plant, as in the case of E. crassipes, at the northern margin of its distribution in China [107], or can promote their establishment and spread [108].…”

Hydrophobic Magnetic Porous Material of Eichhornia crassipes for Highly Efficient Oil Adsorption and Separation

“…Dense E.C. communities threaten to lead to certain negative effects, including (1) hampering the shipping; (2) reducing the dissolved oxygen levels and nutrients; (3) declining the production of aquatic products; and (4) deteriorating water quality and threatening human health. − However, recent research indicates that the bleached E.C. is an efficient adsorbent for the cationic dyes .…”

Adsorción de cromo (VI) y mercurio (II) en solución utilizando jacinto (Eichhornia crassipes)

“…The increase of nutrients in water bodies due to poor environmental practices in agricultural and industrial activities causes eutrophication, which affects the socio-economic and ecological development of aquatic systems because of invasive plant species [1,2]. This generates a decrease in dissolved oxygen, as well as the difficulty for the circulation of watercraft, fishing and the limited availability of water for treatment.…”

“…This generates a decrease in dissolved oxygen, as well as the difficulty for the circulation of watercraft, fishing and the limited availability of water for treatment. Among the most invasive plants are the water fern (Azolla filiculoides), the Elodea (Egeria densa), and the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), among others [1][2][3].…”