Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in urban soils is a growing concern due to its potential negative impact on plant growth and human health. This thesis aims to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its effects on plant growth. The study investigates the presence of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury in urban soil samples collected from different locations within the city. Various plant species are grown in these contaminated soils to evaluate their growth and physiological responses. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review on heavy metal contamination in urban soils, plant responses to heavy metal stress, and remediation strategies. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including the sampling and analysis of soil samples for heavy metal content, plant growth experiments, physiological measurements, and data analysis techniques. The chapter also outlines the experimental design and procedures followed in the study. In Chapter Four, the findings of the study are discussed in detail. The results reveal varying levels of heavy metal contamination in urban soils across different sampling sites. Plant growth experiments show that certain plant species exhibit reduced growth and chlorophyll content in response to heavy metal stress. Physiological parameters such as antioxidant enzyme activity and metal uptake by plants are also analyzed. Finally, Chapter Five presents the conclusions drawn from the study and provides a summary of the key findings. The research emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing heavy metal contamination in urban soils to safeguard plant growth and environmental health. Recommendations for future research and practical implications of the study are also discussed. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the understanding of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its impact on plant growth. The findings highlight the need for sustainable soil management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of heavy metal pollution on plant ecosystems in urban areas. Further research in this field is essential to develop effective strategies for soil remediation and environmental protection.

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 metals in urban soils and their potential impact on plant growth. Heavy metal contamination in soils is a significant environmental issue due to its detrimental effects on ecosystems, human health, and agricultural productivity. Urban areas are particularly susceptible to heavy metal pollution due to various anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes, traffic emissions, and improper waste disposal. The research will focus on identifying and quantifying the levels of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and chromium, in urban soils through extensive field sampling and laboratory analysis. Various soil properties, such as pH, organic matter content, and texture, will also be assessed to understand their influence on heavy metal accumulation and bioavailability in the soil. Furthermore, the study will investigate the impact of heavy metal contamination on plant growth by conducting greenhouse experiments using selected plant species commonly found in urban environments. The plants will be grown in contaminated soil samples with varying levels of heavy metals to assess their growth performance, physiological responses, and potential accumulation of metals in plant tissues. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the extent of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its implications for plant health and ecosystem sustainability. By understanding the interactions between heavy metals and plants in urban environments, appropriate mitigation strategies can be developed to minimize the risks associated with heavy metal pollution and safeguard both environmental and human health.