Scientists in Shanghai have succeeded in developing two new technologies to control the spread of the water plant hyacinth, marking new breakthroughs for the environment.

Introduced as a cheap animal feed half a decade ago, the hyacinth, because of its rapid reproduction rate, has caused such severe environmental problems as clogging waterways and upsetting the balance of the water life environment. 

Researchers have come up with two answers to the problem: KWH02, a chemical that slows the asexual reproduction of the plant, and a technique for processing the plant into liquid organic fertilizer.

The technologies, now undergoing testing, are both effective in hyacinth control.

Developers of the machine have applied for the intellectual patent rights for the technology, according to Dr. Zhu Jianjun with Shanghai Jiao Tong University.  Zhu is leading the mechanical research team.

"If our chemical is put to use, it will save a lot of time, cost and labor in clearing the hyacinths and disposing of them," he said. 

The plant causes an annual loss of 57 billion yuan (US$6.9 billion) in 18 Chinese provinces and cities, including Shanghai. Since 2002, Shanghai has invested tens of millions of yuan to get rid of the water plant, and has begun a scientific program to develop technologies that will put an end to the environmental headache.

To date, this year the machine has cleared up 67,000 tons of hyacinth in the main waterways, equivalent to the same period of last year's volume.

(Shanghai Daily December 4, 2004)