For decades, the expansion of water lily has become one of the most relevant environmental problems of reservoirs, rivers and lagoons in various regions. The proliferation of this plant, initially introduced as an ornamental species, now poses a threat to both the aquatic biodiversity as well as for local productive activities. Only in the state of Hidalgo, it is possible to see the magnitude of the challenge that its control and possible productive use implies.
El water lily not only does it hinder the passage of sunlight into the water, but it also significantly reduces the available oxygen and limits the fish reproductionThis scenario is experienced, for example, in the Tecocomulco lagoon, a protected enclave recognized by UNESCO, as well as in dams such as the presidency of the 1917 Constitution and Endhó dam, where the massive presence of this plant generates serious problems for local fishing and environmental health.
Authorities have allocated significant resources to clean up and manage this invasive plant. So far this year, almost all of the plants have been destroyed. 800 hectares of water lily in the Endhó dam, using a system of shredding machines. Despite these efforts, the solution is still far from definitive, as the iris tends to reproduce rapidly, reoccupying areas that had already been cleared.
Strategies to mitigate the impact of water lilies
To boost pest control and seek higher yields, the focus has been on acquisition of specialized machinery. It is expected that in the coming years, new harvesting machines can be incorporated into the cleaning of dams; one of these acquisitions, valued at 11 million pesos, is in the manufacturing process and will allow extract the lily more efficiently, advancing up to seven hectares per day. Meanwhile, milling will continue to be the primary strategy, complemented by extraction belts to remove the crushed material.
These measures, however, face difficulties, as the lily's reproductive cycle is so rapid that, after each mechanical intervention, the plant repopulates the aquatic space in a matter of days. According to Ana Elsa Castillo Cea, municipal president of Tepetitlán, the current method only provides temporary relief and the problem persists in much of the region.
For her part, the head of the Hidalgo Environment Secretariat, Mónica Patricia Mixtega Trejo, emphasizes that the coordinated work between federal and state administrations It's key. While awaiting the arrival of state-of-the-art machinery, the continued use of shredders and other tools seeks to keep the spread of the iris at bay and prevent its impact on nearby communities.
University innovation: from waste to resource
In parallel to official efforts, there are also initiatives by university students who explore new ways of utilization of water liliesA group has developed a methodology to collect and incubate the lily for the purpose of using it as a substrate in mushroom cultivation, thus transforming a environmental problem in a possible production economically sustainable.
For more information on how to use water lilies, you can explore different water lily care and management techniques.
The idea is to collect the lily from the Tecocomulco lagoon and, after an incubation process, allow the mycelium to degrade it and give rise to the formation of mushrooms. This would not only reduce the presence of the invasive plant, but it would also open the door to a new commercial niche in the region, minimizing the health risks associated with the proliferation of mosquitoes and generating a positive economic impact.
Challenges and prospects for the future
Combating water lily requires joint and flexible solutions. While public administrations invest in machinery and human resources to clean dams and rivers, university research paves the way for innovative uses. Despite the magnitude of the problem and the speed with which the plant is once again invading water bodies, there are still favorable prospects for improved extraction methods and the valorization of water lily as a raw material.
The collective effort of authorities, researchers, and the community is essential to effectively address this environmental, social, and economic challenge. Only through collaboration and the constant search for new alternatives will we be able to mitigate the impact of this invasive species and ensure the well-being of the affected areas.
