Phytoremediation Potential of Selected Wetland Species in Mitigating Heavy Metal Pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Jelil Olaoye *
Department of Environmental Science, Georgia Southern University, Georgia, USA.
Muhammad Kabir Usman
Department of Environmental Science, Sharda University, India.
Taiwo Bakare- Abidola
Department of Applied Physical Science, Environmental Science Concentration, Georgia Southern University, Georgia, USA.
Emetu Ifeanyi Okpo
Department of Environmental Management and Green Energy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Omidiwura Funsho Timilehin
Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Esther Chigbaziru Nwojiji
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution remains a critical environmental issue in the Niger Delta wetlands due to ongoing industrial discharge, oil exploration, and agricultural runoff. This study assessed the phytoremediation potential of selected indigenous wetland plant species in mitigating heavy metal contamination. Soil, water, and plant samples were collected from five polluted sites, and concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Soil Pb levels ranged from 85.3 to 210.5 mg/kg, Cd from 2.1 to 8.7 mg/kg, and As from 3.4 to 15.2 mg/kg. Typha domingensis demonstrated Bioconcentration Factors (BCF) of 1.84 (Pb), 2.45 (Cd), and 1.92 (As), while Phragmites australis exhibited Translocation Factors (TF) of 0.67 (Pb) and 0.54 (Cd), indicating strong root sequestration. Across all sites, phytoremediation achieved an average reduction of 38% in soil metal concentrations over six months. These findings confirm the effectiveness of phytoremediation using native species as a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to wetland restoration in the Niger Delta.
Keywords: Phytoremediation, heavy metal contamination, wetlands, Typha domingensis