Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban soils are often subjected to heavy metal contamination due to various anthropogenic activities, posing a significant threat to plant growth and ecosystem health. The present study aimed to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and investigate its impact on plant growth. Through a comprehensive literature review, key sources of heavy metal contamination in urban areas were identified, along with the mechanisms through which these contaminants affect plant physiology and growth. The research methodology involved soil sampling from different urban locations, laboratory analysis to determine heavy metal concentrations, and conducting plant growth experiments under controlled conditions. The results of the study revealed varying levels of heavy metal contamination in urban soils, with lead, cadmium, and arsenic being the most prevalent contaminants. These metals were found to negatively impact plant growth by inhibiting seed germination, reducing plant growth rates, and inducing oxidative stress in plant tissues. The findings also highlighted the importance of soil pH, organic matter content, and plant species in influencing the bioavailability and toxicity of heavy metals in urban soils. Additionally, the study identified certain plant species with the potential for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, offering a sustainable solution for soil remediation in urban environments. The discussion of the findings emphasized the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate heavy metal contamination in urban soils and ensure the sustainability of urban ecosystems. Recommendations were made for implementing soil monitoring programs, adopting phytoremediation techniques, and promoting public awareness about the risks associated with heavy metal contamination in urban areas. The study concluded by underscoring the significance of further research in this field to address the complex challenges posed by heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its detrimental effects on plant growth and environmental quality. In conclusion, the assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its impact on plant growth is a critical issue that requires immediate attention to safeguard ecosystem health and food security in urban areas. By understanding the sources, pathways, and effects of heavy metal contamination, effective strategies can be developed to mitigate its adverse consequences and promote sustainable urban development.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its impact on plant growth" aims to investigate the presence of heavy metal contaminants in urban soil environments and explore their effects on plant growth. Urban soils are increasingly exposed to various pollutants, including heavy metals, due to human activities such as industrialization, transportation, and improper waste disposal. This research seeks to address the potential risks posed by heavy metal contamination in urban soils to plant health and overall ecosystem stability. The study will begin with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current understanding of heavy metal pollution in urban soils and its impact on plant physiology and growth. Various sources and pathways of heavy metal contamination in urban areas will be explored, along with the mechanisms by which these pollutants are taken up by plants and transferred through the food chain. The review will also highlight the existing mitigation strategies and technologies employed to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soils and protect plant health in urban environments. Following the literature review, the research methodology will be outlined, detailing the sampling design, sample collection and preparation procedures, analytical techniques for heavy metal quantification, and plant growth assessment methods. The study will involve field surveys to collect soil samples from different urban locations, as well as plant samples for laboratory analysis. The collected data will be subjected to statistical analysis to determine the levels of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and assess their impact on plant growth parameters such as biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake, and physiological responses. The findings from the field surveys and laboratory analyses will be presented and discussed in Chapter Four of the thesis, focusing on the spatial distribution of heavy metal contaminants in urban soils, their bioavailability to plants, and the resulting effects on plant growth and health. The discussion will also explore the potential ecological risks associated with heavy metal contamination in urban ecosystems and provide insights into the implications for food security and human health. In the concluding chapter, a summary of the key findings and implications of the study will be provided, along with recommendations for future research and practical interventions to mitigate heavy metal contamination in urban soils and safeguard plant growth in urban environments. The research outcomes are expected to contribute valuable insights to the field of soil science and environmental management, informing policy decisions and promoting sustainable urban development practices that prioritize soil and plant health.