XA solution to control and inhibit the growth and reproduction of invasive water hyacinth and other similar invasive plants

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Echhornia Crassipes) is an aquatic plant known as one of the most important and dangerous aquatic weeds globally. This plant has significant effects on the ecosystem and aquatic environment, causing disruptions in sea transportation and sometimes leading to the destruction of aquatic life in its habitat. Water hyacinth has led to pollution of geographical areas in many countries, recognized as an environmental problem that disrupts the food cycle, water quality, and marine industries. The destructive effects of this plant are so severe that some sociologists consider it a key factor in poverty and hindering the development of countries and the planet. Each water hyacinth plant produces about 1 liter of water waste daily, posing a serious threat to the world's fresh water resources due the millions of plants worldwide. Until today, various chemical, biological and mechanical solutions have been utilized to control this invasive plant. These strategies have not had a significant impact in some geographical areas, or on the contrary, they have had harmful effects (such as the effects of using strong herbicides) on the environment and aquatic ecosystems. Notably, many solutions have not effectively targeted the abundant and resilient seeds of water hyacinth. By utilizing biological signaling (biological messages) to promote bacterial symbiosis in water hyacinth for nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere, and spraying a solution without herbicides or strong poisons, with the aim of establishing the cycle of nitrogen fixation in the plant by inhibiting growth and or the effect on the bacterial symbiotic species in water hyacinth, the production of seeds in the plant is very little and even stopped, as well as the effects of decline and acceleration of the aging process of water hyacinth and the destruction of the plant appear. As a result, we will witness a decrease in the plant population, decrease in growth and reproduction, a significant decrease in water consumption, and a decrease in the quality of the biological tissues of the plant as a result of limiting the resources created for the water hyacinth plant. According to the investigation and study of the effects of this method on micro-organisms and macro-organisms in the water and its margins, it seems that this innovative solution by targeting the fixation of nitrogen from the air and disruption of symbiosis in water hyacinth has a significant effect and the lowest environmental risk compared to other methods.

Description

[0001] 1- Patent Title:

[0002] XA solution to control and inhibit the growth and reproduction of invasive water hyacinth and other similar invasive plants

[0003] 2-Patent Technical Scope:

[0004] This patent is related to technology and innovation in environmental care and sustainable development. The contamination of water resources in many countries around the world by this invasive plant, on one hand; and the rapid growth of this plant in the geography of the affected countries on the other hand, have led to poverty, destruction of employment and disruption of the food cycle related to water and marine ecosystems. This poses a significant and serious threat to fresh water sources. If this patent is implemented, it will be possible to address these damages by inhibiting the growth and spread of water hyacinth.

[0005] 3. Prior Knowledge in the Present Patent Field;

[0006] The previously proposed solutions that have been utilized include mechanical collection, biological control (using other organisms such as insects) and chemical control (such as herbicides).

[0007] Mechanical removal is not feasible due to the current volume of water hyacinth in the Bandar-E Anzali International Wetland. Additionally, the collection of resistant seeds poses a major challenge with this method. However, this method can still be useful for periodic and supplementary monitoring along with other methods.

[0008] In the biological method, previous tests on this plant have mainly focused on using native species from the American continent which are only compatible with the ecological cycle in their native geography and may not be compatible with the new geography. Also, in addition to the danger of the introduction of a new non-native species with the aim of taking a plant species for the ecological chain and cycle, it may have a natural enemy in this area that makes its introduction useless for the intended purpose.

[0009] In chemical methods, the use of poisons and herbicides is usually mentioned. The use of this method brings the challenge of the dangers of the used poisons for the environment and damage to aquatic life. Many of these compounds are non- selective, meaning they can impact a broad range of plants or even act non-selectively for all plants. Many of these chemical compounds have positive genotoxicity or have high-risk functional groups and metals, which also increases the sensitivity of the work.

[0010] In general, it can be concluded that providing practical and effective solutions to destroy the invasive water hyacinth plant poses significant environmental risks. Considering the mentioned cases, choosing a solution with the lowest environmental and ecological risk is crucial. Plans to use herbicides and strong poisons have destructive effects on organisms, and introducing new species into the ecological cycle increases the likelihood of the destruction of the cycle. The entry of many floating machines with metal and leaky bodies into the water of wetlands increases the possibility of fuel leakage. Such high-loss methods with side effects may be implemented in response to the emergency conditions caused by rapid growth of the invasive water hyacinth plant population, for example, in Bandar-E Anzali International Wetland in the north of Iran; it seems essential to consider providing an innovative solution without ecological risk or with a minimal risk, a scientifically insignificant risk, as a way out of the current challenges facing the wetland.

[0011] Based on document is published by the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency and united states environmental protection agency, about denatonium benzoate, it can use safely in this solution in the range and concentration of used in this invention so it can use with no harmful effect because the concentration so lower than the NOAEL or NOEAC dose (dose has no effect) for birds, fishes and phytoplankton and zooplanktons.

[0012] In patent no. CN102106346B, acidic compounds were used to inhibit water hyacinth, which accelerated the aging process of the plant. pH changes in the environment can be the most basic and one of the most important and simple changes and effects of this method.

[0013] 4, Current issues:

[0014] One of the most harmful weed species in the world is water hyacinth (Ecchornia Crasipes), which is known in some sources as the most important and dangerous aquatic invasive plant found worldwide.

[0015] This invasive plant has infected the entire continent of Africa-Oceania, Portugal, China, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Mexico and many other places. Water hyacinth in aquatic ecosystems has had negative effects on agriculture, fisheries, electrical industries, transportation and the social life of residents in the invaded areas.

[0016] This plant can quickly occupy a very large area, doubling in size in just 15 days. According to some sources, each plant can produce up to 700 new plants in 120 days.

[0017] The lack of light reaching the surface covered by this plant disrupts the growth of planktonic organisms, in this way, at the same time as water oxygen production decreases, fish reserves will also be reduced to a minimum and finally the food cycle of the aquatic environment will be disturbed. The growth of this plant also destroys submerged aquatic plants and fish breeding grounds leading to a decrease in fisheries and fish resources.

[0018] The bushes of the invasive water hyacinth plant population provide a suitable cover and habitat for pests, and disease-carrying insects such as the Anopheles mosquito (the insect that transmits malaria) and similar insects. These insects have significantly increased in geographical areas infected with water hyacinth and have been included in scientists' reports. During the fall season, the plants in the wetland die and settle in the sediments at the bottom. This leads to an increase in organic matter in the wetland and the aquatic environment. The organic materials consume a significant amount of oxygen during decomposition, or they produce a lot of toxic gases through anaerobic decomposition. This phenomenon has caused mass fish deaths, a problem that has occurred repeatedly in Bandaranzali International Wetland in recent years.

[0019] The presence of this plant in the waterways around the wetlands and rivers, the traffic of boats has become difficult. This problem disrupts the recreational and tourist activities and the source of income of local communities that depend on this type of service.

[0020] The high reproductive rate of water hyacinth is the main challenge for the development of this plant in ecosystems, as each plant can produce 3,000 seeds per year. The seeds of this plant have high resistance and remain healthy for 20 to 30 years in the environment and in unfavorable conditions and can cause the growth and presence of a new plant. This is one of the main annual developments in geographical areas where this plant is considered nonnative. For example, in the fall season, a significant amount of this plant in the Bandaranzali International Wetland is destroyed, but due to the durability and high resistance of the seeds, and of course, a small percentage of the previous population that did not fall, the condition for the plant's reappearance is provided.

[0021] The extreme damage caused by the increasing spread of water hyacinth in the world has led some sociologists to consider the transfer of this non-native invader from America to Africa by workers as the root cause of terrorism and poverty in Africa. Due to the favorable climate and lack of natural enemies, the transfer of water hyacinth from America to Africa resulted in a widespread outbreak in the new environment. Sociologists believe that water hyacinth, by wasting water and creating restrictions in agricultural activities, has caused a sharp decrease in agricultural production and increasing poverty in affected regions. These challenges have gradually and historically fueled the rise of criminal and terrorist groups in Africa.

[0022] Emigration and displacement of fishermen in Cameroon, reduction of electricity generation from river currents in Egypt and Zambia, significant waste of water resources, damage to vessels such as ships, multiplication of disease-carrying insects, serious damage to the ecosystem and destruction of aquatic life and etc. are considered the most important international problems caused by this invasive plant.

[0023] It should be noted that the presence of this plant in the aquatic environment due to its significant roots and rhizomes in the water slows down the water flow and increases its sedimentation in the environment, which solely increases the need for dredging in the future. None of the activities implemented to date have been fully effective for the complete control and containment of water hyacinth. This invasive plant is still recognized as a global environmental problem. Of course, in many of these activities, a lot of energy is consumed or the consumption of hazardous chemical compounds is very high.

[0024] 5. Purpose of Patent

[0025] The purpose of this patent is to effectively control and restrain the excessive growth and development of invasive plants such as water hyacinth. The goal is to prevent seed production, weaken existing seeds, and accelerate the aging and decay process of the plant. This issue is aimed at controlling, growing and multiplying the water hyacinth population and even its complete destruction in the desired geography, including the many problems of this environmental problem on the planet that can be controlled.

[0026] 6. Patent Description of the Invention:

[0027] The perennial floating water hyacinth plant of the Eichhornia genus in the Pontederiaceae family is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, especially the Amazon Basin; This plant is often known as an invasive species outside its native area. Water hyacinth may grow up to 1 meter above the water level. The plant has wide, thick, shiny, egg-shaped leaves of 10 to 20 cm floating on the water surface.

[0028] The present patent includes providing a solution and introducing a new application of a substance. By utilizing this substance in a new way, a solution can be made that is capable of controlling, restraining, and even completely destroying the water hyacinth plant.

[0029] The process outlined in this patent involves creating a solution with specific concentrations ranging from ppb to ppm such as milligrams per liter and micrograms per liter. In this method, there is no need for organic solvents and this solution can be produced using water and the XA substance. In fact, the formulation of this solution is based on presenting a new application of the denatonium benzoate substance and its impacts on the invasive water hyacinth plant, as well as its effects on bacteria and their symbiotic cycle.

[0030] The water hyacinth plant is currently found in many countries like Iran, America, India, China, African countries and other regions across the planet. This plant is present in the international wetland of Bandar-E Anzali and is considered a harmful species within this important ecosystem.

[0031] This plant, known as water hyacinth, spreads across wetlands like a carpet due to its rapid reproduction. It covers the surface of the water, blocking light and oxygen from reaching the water. As a result, photosynthesis of the aquatic plants decreases and the oxygen in the water gradually decreases. On the one hand, the decrease in oxygen causes an increase in the death of aquatic animals such as fish which boosts the activity of anaerobic organisms, such as anaerobic bacteria, and the pH of the water changes. These factors are the cause of the death of important aquatic animals of the wetland such as fish. Given the lack of economic efficiency in collecting water hyacinth, the patented methods outlined in this study by propose controlling and restraining its proliferation. Implementing this patent could potentially save the Bandaranzali International Wetland, a globally recognized wetland. There are many areas in the world affected by this plant, which is one of the causes of the destruction of their economy and ecosystem.

[0032] 7. Patent Benefits

[0033] - There is no need to use herbicides, dangerous chemicals and heavy metals that pollute the environment.

[0034] - This solution reduces water consumption by coming into contact with water hyacinth. Each bush of this plant usually wastes about 0.7 to 1 liter of water per day in an ideal environment through its sweetening.

[0035] - Creating a resource limitation for the plant, which affects the plant's construction and youth, and targets seed production, sprouting and growth.

[0036] - Stopping or significantly reducing the production of water hyacinth seeds through the initial spraying of the obtained solution.

[0037] - No damage and serious risks to aquatic life such as fish and aquatic plants

[0038] - No damage and serious risks for phytoplankton and zooplanktons

[0039] - No genotoxic effect in the environment

[0040] - Significant reduction of chlorophyll in water hyacinth plant

[0041] - The ability to adjust the rate of destruction of the mother plant population in accordance with the decomposition of organic sludge, so that minimum organic sludge is produced in the environment at once. In other methods, this happens due to the use of common herbicides. - This patent is also used in autumn and winter, because it can target and affect the seeds of the water hyacinth plant that are in the fall.

[0042] - No negative effect up to several times the desired concentration and prepared in the solution - Without creating fear and panic in the implementation of this method for birds and creatures on the water bodies and aquatic environments, compared to other methods of fighting this plant, such as floating harvesters of invasive plants.

[0043] - Without damage to water and soil areas like what is seen in other mechanical methods. - No changes in the pH of the water and the environment of the aquatic ecosystem

[0044] - you can arrange the speed of destroying / controlling the water hyacinth based on the population of it in environment to control the sludge of it and inhibit to damage the ecosystem.

Claims

Statement of Claim:

1. This patent presents a method for the complete destruction, control, and inhibition of the growth and reproduction of the invasive water hyacinth (Ecchornia Crasipes) plant (or other invasive plants with special bacterial symbiosis) using a special solution. Moreover, a new application of a substance as named denatonium benzoate used in this solution is provided with a specific ratio that includes a preparation process involving at least one solution reactor along with a temperature control system.

2. In this invention, the method claim no. 1 can be used for all kind of water hyacinth plant species.

3. In this invention, the method claim no. 1 inhibits the growth and reproduction of water hyacinth without harming other plants and aquatic species.

4. In this invention, the method claim no. 1 eliminates the need to add herbicides and common dangerous toxins that harm the environment.

5. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, a specific amount of the active substance is added to water and then it is thoroughly mixed using a stirring system and the resulting solution is poured into the intended packages.

6. In this invention, in the patent claim no.l method, the solution needs at least thirty minutes of retention time.

7. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the resulting solution can interfere with the nitrogen fixation cycle and the ability of the water hyacinth plant to absorb nitrogen from the air.

8. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the resulting solution can disrupt the bacterial coexistence in the water hyacinth, which provides the plant with the ability to absorb nitrogen from the air, thus depriving the water hyacinth of this capability.

9. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the ambient water consumption of the water hyacinth plant is reduced.

10. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, it reduces the amount of chlorophyll and protein in the water hyacinth plant.

11. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the power and amount of chlorophyll formation and protein production in water hyacinth plant is reduced.

12. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the resulting solution has the ability to inhibit or destroy the growth of the axillary bud of water hyacinth.

13. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the solution can reduce the growth of previous seeds or even destroy them.

14. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the solution can reduce the growth of the roots and rhizomes of water hyacinth.

15. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the solution can reduce the growth of water hyacinth stems and leaves.

16. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, the safest method is introduced among the effective methods for restraining and controlling the growth of water hyacinth.

17. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, in addition to controlling and inhibiting growth, it is possible to completely destroy water hyacinth and its population in a specific geography.

18. In this invention, in the patent claim no. 1 method, about 1 microgram to 1 mg (1000 micrograms) per liter of denatonium benzoate in aqueous solvent is used, and it can be prepared and used in concentrations of ppm to ppb.

19. In this invention, the claim no. 1 method can be used for other invasive plants similar to water hyacinth or Azolla filiculoides that have a special bacterial symbiosis and thus have the ability to absorb and fix nitrogen from the air.

20. In this invention, the patent claim no. 1 method is used in water and soil environments, wetlands, rivers, etc.

21. In this invention, the method of claim no.l, by planning the implementation and the frequency and concentration of the solution for spraying, the speed of control, containment and even the complete destruction of the invasive plant can be determined. This ensures that the destruction of the mother plant population is done slowly and a lot of organic sludge should not be produced instantly in the environment and should not harm the environment.

22. In this invention, in the claim no. 1 method, the aging process of water hyacinth is accelerated or the process of early fall occurs for the mentioned plant.

23. In this invention, MIC and MBC tests shows high sensitivity of bacteria to XA solutions that made in this invention and shows effectivity of denatonium benzoate for the bacteria like Azotobacter chroococcum and symbiotic cycle in Ecchomia Crasipes.

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