An eutrophic canal in the urban area of Shanghai has been harnessed by means of establishing a new ecosystem including water-hyacinth (Eichho-rnia crassipes). In addition to the competition of water-hyacinth with algae for light and mineral nutrients, the excretion from root system of water-hyacinth can injure and abate algal cells and Hippeutis sp. (Planorbidae), a kind of mollusca living in the root zone of water-hyacinth, is feeding on algae.