International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Ogunsumi Akintunde Israel, Awodiran Festus Tunde
Abstract: Heavy metal pollution of soils in Nigeria, driven by activities such as mining, industrial discharge, waste disposal, and agricultural practices, poses a severe threat to environmental health, food safety, and human well-being. Conventional remediation methods are often costly, invasive, and environmentally disruptive. Phytoremediation, a green and cost-effective technology using plants to extract, stabilize, or degrade contaminants has emerged as a promising alternative for addressing soil contamination in Nigeria. This review explores the mechanisms of phytoremediation, including phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytovolatilization, and rhizofiltration, with a focus on their application to heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). Several plant species indigenous or adaptable to Nigerian soils, including Chromolaena odorata, Chromolaena odorata, Brassica juncea, Helianthus annuus, and Tithonia diversifolia have demonstrated phytoremediation potential. Despite promising research, major knowledge gaps remain in understanding plant-metal interactions under local soil and climatic conditions, the long-term sustainability of remediation outcomes, and strategies for integrating phytoremediation into national environmental policies. Challenges such as low biomass yield, metal toxicity to plants, and limited public awareness hinder large-scale implementation. Future research should focus on genetic improvement of hyperaccumulators, synergistic use of soil amendments and microbes, and development of region-specific phytoremediation models. Strengthening collaboration among researchers, government agencies, and local communities is crucial to fully harness the potential of phytoremediation for sustainable soil management and environmental restoration in Nigeria.
