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Invasive water plants are stressing South Africa’s estuaries

Publication Date: 
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00

South Africa’s estuaries are home to a unique mix of plant and animal life and provide vital ecosystems services. However, a new study by CSIR researchers has revealed that some nuisance water plants are throwing these delicate ecosystems off balance - literally. 

New research shows that invasive plants in South Africa’s estuaries cause extreme swings in water pH from day to night, potentially creating stressful conditions for fish and other aquatic life. Click here to read this story.

Contact Person

Aadila Omarjee

aomarjee@csir.co.za


Invasive water lettuce can cause estuaries to become more acidic over time. This disturbance in pH puts aquatic life under stress. 

 

Invasive lettuce causing estuaries to become acidic

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