Estimating Macrophyte Load for Water Hyacinth in Kolo Creek, Niger Delta

The invasion and inconveniences caused by Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the Niger Delta was investigated. Many streams and creeks in the region are heavily impacted by this water weed. Studies show that the rapid growth rate and the luxuriant nature of its vegetation have defied all forms of control so far by local communities. This study focuses on measuring the percentage area covered by the macrophyte, its biomass and macrophyte load as necessary steps in water hyacinth control in Kolo creek, Bayelsa state. The macrophyte area covered ranged from 24.47% in October to 89.3% in March 2007. The differences in mean macrophyte area covered between wet and dry seasons were statistically significant[t-stat = 11.856> p = 1.36(0.05)]. The macrophyte load however ranged between 13.116 of dry weight (DW)/ ha and 5.38t of DW/ha for dry and wet seasons respectively.