Lake Maracaibo

Lake Maracaibo is a large body of water in northwestern Venezuela. If considered a lake, it is the largest lake in South America. However, by some definitions it should be considered a sea because it is connected by way of a 54-km (34-mile) strait to the Gulf of Venezuela, and thence to the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In that case, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America.

Duckweed Infestation

As of June 18, 2004, a large portion (12%) of the surface of Lake Maracaibo is covered by duckweed. Although efforts to remove the plant have been underway since May, the plant, which can double its size every 48 hours, covers over 130 million cubic metres of the lake. The government has been spending $2 million monthly to clean the lake, and the state-run oil company Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. has created a $750 million cleanup fund. Current efforts are barely keeping up with the growth of the plant.

Related Topics:
June 18 - 2004 - Duckweed - Petroleos de Venezuela S.A.

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Although decaying surface plant life can adversely affect marine life, it doesn't appear that this has occurred. However, duckweed can provide a hazard for fishing boats.

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It is probable that the infestation is a result of oil spills, sewage, and industrial runoff, as have recent heavy rainfall, which has reduced the lake's salinity. The prodigious growth of the freshwater marine plant is likely a self-purification mechanism.

Related Topics:
Sewage - Industrial runoff - Salinity

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