What is a consequence of duckweed and watermeal proliferation?

The proliferation of duckweed and watermeal can lead to their covering the complete surface of a pond, which is a significant consequence of their rapid growth. When these plants multiply excessively, they can form a dense mat across the water's surface. This dense coverage can block sunlight from penetrating the water, affecting aquatic plants and organisms below. By creating such a barrier, they can disrupt the entire ecosystem balance within the pond, including photosynthesis rates for submerged plants, oxygen levels for fish, and overall water quality.

Understanding this consequence is crucial when managing aquatic environments, as it highlights the importance of controlling invasive species like duckweed and watermeal to maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem.