PHYTOREMEDIATION IN DUMP SITES USING Moringa oleifera

Abstract

Environmental pollution due to human activities is one of the greatest problems facing humanity and the developing countries need to have a better grip on controlling it. Phytoremediation is one of the promising technique that can help. Therefore, this research aims at investigating phytoremediation activity of Moringa oleifera (a tree common to the tropics and the sub-tropics) for the removal of metals in the dumpsites. The Leaves, shoot and root of the tree from four different dump site were collected, dried and ground. Also, the soil around the trees were collected. All the samples were analysed for their mineral content using ICP-OES. This study revealed that Al, As and Ca were both translocated and bioaccumulated in some of the trees. Also, more of the elements were translocated than those bioaccumulated in the trees. These results suggests that Moringa oleifera could be used to to clean up these metals in the environment. However, it also calls for caution on the location of the tree if it is to be used as food and medicine.