TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitations of the Study
1.9 Organization of the Study
1.10 Definition of Terms
REFERENCES
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Theoretical Review
2.2.1 Phytoextraction Theory
2.2.2 Rhizosphere Interaction Theory
2.2.3 Phytostabilization Theory
2.2.4 Phytodegradation (Green Liver) Theory
2.3 Conceptual Review
2.3.1 Overview of Key Concepts
2.3.2 Plant-Pollutant Interactions and Mechanisms
2.3.3 Types of Phytoremediation Strategies
2.3.4 Role of Hyperaccumulators and High-Biomass Crops
2.3.5 Plant-Microbe Interactions and the Rhizosphere Effect
2.3.6 Soil and Environmental Factors Affecting Phytoremediation
2.3.7 Monitoring, Assessment, and Performance Metrics
2.3.8 Socioeconomic and Policy Considerations
2.3.9 Case Studies and Field Applications
2.3.10 Technological Enhancements: Genetic and Agronomic Approaches
2.4 Empirical Review
2.5 Summary of Literature Review
REFERENCES
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Study Area
3.4 Target Population
3.5 Sample Size Determination
3.6 Sampling Technique
3.7 Nature of Respondents
3.8 Instrumentation
3.9 Validity of Instrument
3.10 Reliability of Instrument
3.11 Method of Data Collection
3.12 Method of Data Analysis
3.13 Ethical Considerations
3.14 Limitations of the Methodology
3.15 Summary
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Respondent Demographic Characteristics
4.3 Analysis Based on Research Objectives
4.3.1 Objective One: Effectiveness of Different Plant Species in Removing Heavy Metals and Organic Pollutants
4.3.2 Objective Two: Mechanisms Through Which Plants Stabilize, Degrade, or Transform Pollutants
4.3.3 Objective Three: Environmental and Economic Benefits of Phytoremediation
4.4 Test of Hypothesis
4.5 Discussion of Findings
4.6 Summary of Findings
4.7 Conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of the Study
5.3 Conclusions
5.4 Recommendations
5.4.1 Recommendations for Educational Institutions
5.4.2 Recommendations for Policy Makers
5.4.3 Recommendations for Environmental Agencies and Practitioners
5.4.4 Recommendations for Researchers
5.4.5 Recommendations for Community Engagement
5.5 Contributions to Knowledge
5.6 Limitations of the Study
5.7 Suggestions for Further Research
5.8 Final Remarks
APPENDIX: QUESTIONNAIRE
ABSTRACT
Environmental pollution arising from industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural intensification has led to the accumulation of heavy metals, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and other hazardous contaminants in soil and water systems. Conventional remediation techniques such as excavation, soil washing, and chemical stabilization are often expensive, disruptive, and environmentally damaging, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives. This study examined the role of plants in remediating polluted environments, with specific reference to the University of Lagos. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine the effectiveness of different plant species in removing heavy metals and organic pollutants; to investigate the mechanisms through which plants stabilize, degrade, or transform pollutants; and to assess the environmental and economic benefits of phytoremediation compared to conventional technologies. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, with a target population of 420 academic staff, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students from the Department of Botany, Environmental Science, and Geography. A sample size of 205 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, and stratified random sampling was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was validated through expert review and pilot testing, with reliability established using the test-retest method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as inferential statistics using the Chi-square test. The findings revealed that respondents demonstrated substantial awareness of hyperaccumulator plants and recognized the effectiveness of sunflower (mean=2.69) and Indian mustard (mean=2.77) in heavy metal removal. Awareness of willow and poplar for organic pollutant degradation was comparatively lower. Phytoextraction emerged as the most recognized mechanism (mean=2.86), followed by phytostabilization (mean=2.68) and rhizofiltration (mean=2.69). Rhizodegradation (mean=2.57), phytodegradation (mean=2.52), and phytovolatilization (mean=2.45) showed lower awareness levels. Respondents strongly agreed that phytoremediation is cost-effective (mean=2.92), environmentally sustainable (mean=2.98), and provides aesthetic (mean=2.78) and carbon sequestration (mean=2.79) benefits, while agreement on phytomining potential was more moderate (mean=2.54). The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between departmental affiliation and perception of phytoremediation effectiveness (χ² = 16.847, df = 9, p = 0.049), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concluded that plants have a significant effect on the remediation of polluted environments, with metal-focused mechanisms and applications being more familiar than those involving organic pollutant degradation. The study recommended enhanced integration of phytoremediation concepts into university curricula, development of regulatory frameworks supporting plant-based remediation, establishment of demonstration sites for practical training, and increased research funding for field-scale studies. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on phytoremediation in developing countries and provides a foundation for promoting sustainable remediation strategies in Nigeria.
