PHYTOREMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL ALONG REFUSE DUMPSITES OF DOUBELI BYE-PASS IN YOLA NORTH, ADAMAWA STATE

Abstract

Improper disposal and mismanagement of solid wastes cause ground and surface water
contamination. Hence the aim of this study was to determine the phytoremediation capability of
heavy metals from Doubeli contaminated site by sun flower and to ascertain the plants tissue that
accumulated most of these metals. The sunflower seeds were planted directly in the
contaminated soil in greenhouse and monitored for two months. The concentrations of heavy
metals were recorded using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The results showed that the root
accumulated more heavy metals followed by leaf and stem. (Roots > leaf > stems). The plant
was able to removed 44.4% of Cr, 67.1% of Cd. 73.0% of Cu, 31.1% of Pb and 32.0% of Mn.
This shows the potential of sunflower for the treatment of contaminated soil by heavy metals in
Doubeli refuse dumpsites of Yola North, Adamawa State.