Aquatic Weeds and global warming

10.9.24

Whether it’s global warming, climate change, or part of earth’s cyclical temperature changes that’s causing it, when you look at the evidence, the world is warming.

Aquatic weeds and global warming are closely connected. Any Google search will demonstrate such, and extended growing seasons for aquatic weeds and more conducive habitats for invasive plants to develop are just two outcomes of rising world temperatures.

Watercourses, ponds and lakes are the arteries of the world, bringing innumerable ecological benefits. Invasive pondweed threatens to choke and clog up these vital networks.

Parrots Feather, Water Fern and Floating Pennywort are just some of the species giving the UK cause for concern. Then again, the actual species seems increasingly immaterial as many share the same traits, require similar aquatic weed control, and can wreak havoc on the environment.

Here’s how global warming influences aquatic weed proliferation both directly and indirectly:

Rising temperatures

The growth rate of aquatic plants is boosted by warmer water temperatures, making certain water bodies more suitable for invasive species. Many invasive pond weed species flourish in warmer conditions, growing faster and outmanoeuvring native plants.

Chemistry changes

Global warming increases carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, altering water chemistry. Higher CO2 levels can lead to an increase in the photosynthesis rate of aquatic plants, further stimulating growth. Warmer water likewise holds less dissolved oxygen, and this can adversely affect aquatic animals while at the same time not hindering pond weed growth, giving them a competitive edge.

Extended growing Seasons

Warmer temperatures extend growing seasons, particularly in temperate regions. This extended season allows aquatic weeds to grow and spread for longer periods, boosting their dominance in aquatic ecosystems.

Volatile rainfall

Climate change-induced volatility in rainfall patterns can stimulate nutrient runoff (caused by flooding or heavy rains), promoting the growth of nutrient-hungry aquatic weeds. At the other end of the spectrum, droughts can impede water flow, creating stagnant water bodies that likewise stimulate weed growth.

Ecosystem Imbalance

Overgrown aquatic weeds can choke native species, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. Reduced oxygen levels (hypoxia), can threaten the life of fish. Blocked waterways also hinder transport, fishing and recreation, and up the risk of flooding, becuse clogged waterways impede the flow of water.

Greenhouse gases

Certain invasive aquatic weeds, particularly those that form dense mats on the water’s surface, have been shown to produce methane as they decompose, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, only exacerbating global warming in a feedback loop. This is where mat reduce water evaporation, trapping heat and further warming the water body, which may exacerbate global warming in the local microclimate.

in conclusion

Global warming accelerates the growth and spread of aquatic weeds, leading to ecological and economic challenges, which in turn can further exacerbate environmental issues. Controlling aquatic weeds in the context of global warming, therefore, requires an integrated approach, combining climate action with efforts to manage nutrient runoff, preventing the spread of invasive species, and restoring native ecosystems.

Get in touch with The Aqua Contractor today.

01683 221 082

Sources:

Sciencedirect.com

C2es.org

ceh.ac.uk