Phytoremediation Potential of Selected Wetland Species in Mitigating Heavy Metal Pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

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.