Analysis of the invasion of water lilies (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart) Solms) in the Cointzio dam, Michoacán, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the growth dynamics of the water lily (Eichhornia crassipes)in the Cointzio dam due to the water availability.Design/Methodology/Approach: a monthly series of 45 Sentinel 2 and Landsatsatellite images were used, with which the percentage of invasion of the water lilyin the total area of the reservoir was calculated. The relative coverage of the lilywas analyzed looking for growth patterns over time, as well as the precipitationdata, total reservoir area over time, and water storage data for the 2010-2020period to broaden its context.Results: Three ascending and two descending patterns of the water lily coveragewere identified; a 15-month upward growth pattern with slight inland slope changes; decreasing patterns are associated with decreased water storage. Thelargest lily covers were found in critical storage stages during the 2010-2020period.Study limitations/implications: faced with climate change conditions, the fillingpattern of the dam could change, aggravating problems related to the water supply.Conclusions: containment/mitigation efforts have a reduced effect because the lilyeasily recovers the covered area, growing about 400% between October 2017 andJune 2018, therefore it is necessary to implement a containment strategy using thebiophysical interactions of the basin in conjunction with social, political, economicand governance interactions.