Abstract:

Phytoremediation of oil-polluted fresh and marine aquatic environment using Nymphea odorata was studied. The aim was to ascertain the possibility of using the plants in the treatment of crude oil contaminated waters and the duration required for the restoration of the desired water quality. The experimental approach involved the exposure of the plants to varying concentrations of crude oil (500mg/l, 2500mg/l and 5000mg/l) under laboratory conditions. From the result, THC percentage reductions achieved were 80.25, 82.55 and 83.62 percent with 500mg/l, 2500mg/l and 5000mg/l of crude oil respectively, after six weeks of treatment with Nymphea odorata. The result therefore reveals that six weeks after contamination and exposure of Nymphea odorata, removal of the crude oil and the restoration of the desired water quality was achieved. This study has shown that Nymphea odorata has great potentials in enhancing phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated waters and the restoration of the water quality, without negative effects on the medium. Thus, Nymphea odorata can therefore serve as an agent of phytoremediation in crude oil contaminated waters.