Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Heavy metals are a significant environmental concern due to their persistence and potential negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. Urban soils, in particular, are susceptible to heavy metal contamination from various anthropogenic activities. This study aimed to assess the levels of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and investigate its impact on plant growth. The research focused on understanding the distribution of heavy metals in urban soil samples collected from different locations within the city. Additionally, the study evaluated the bioavailability of these heavy metals to plants and assessed their effect on plant growth and development. Chapter One provided an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two presented a comprehensive literature review, covering ten key areas related to heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its effects on plant growth. The review synthesized existing knowledge and identified gaps that the current study aimed to address. Chapter Three detailed the research methodology, including the sampling strategy, sample collection and preparation, laboratory analysis techniques, and plant growth experiments. The methodology section outlined the steps taken to assess the levels of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and investigate their impact on plant growth. Chapter Four presented a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the study. The results indicated varying levels of heavy metal contamination in the urban soil samples, with certain metals exceeding recommended limits. The study also revealed the bioavailability of these metals to plants and their detrimental effects on plant growth parameters such as biomass, root length, and chlorophyll content. The discussion section analyzed these findings in the context of existing literature and provided insights into the implications for urban soil management and plant health. Chapter Five served as the conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and environmental management practices. The study underscored the importance of monitoring and mitigating heavy metal contamination in urban soils to safeguard ecosystem health and food security. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its impact on plant growth, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban soil management strategies.

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 understand their potential impact on plant growth. Urban soils are known to be susceptible to contamination from various sources such as industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and improper waste disposal practices. Heavy metals are a common type of soil pollutant that can have detrimental effects on plant health and overall ecosystem functioning. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to explore the existing knowledge on heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its effects on plant growth. This will provide a solid foundation for the study and help identify gaps in the current understanding of the topic. The literature review will cover key concepts such as sources of heavy metal contamination, mechanisms of uptake and accumulation in plants, and potential strategies for remediation. The methodology section of the project will outline the specific steps and techniques that will be employed to assess heavy metal contamination in urban soils and evaluate its impact on plant growth. This will include soil sampling and analysis methods, plant growth experiments, and data analysis procedures. Special attention will be given to selecting appropriate plant species for the study, considering their sensitivity to heavy metal toxicity and relevance to urban environments. The research findings will be presented and discussed in detail in the subsequent chapter. Data on heavy metal concentrations in urban soils, plant tissue samples, and plant growth parameters will be analyzed to determine the extent of contamination and its effects on plant health. The results will be interpreted in the context of relevant literature and implications for urban soil management and plant growth will be discussed. The conclusion and summary chapter will provide a synthesis of the key findings of the study and their implications for future research and environmental management practices. Recommendations for mitigating heavy metal contamination in urban soils and promoting sustainable plant growth will be proposed based on the research outcomes. Overall, this research project on the assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its impact on plant growth is significant in addressing environmental concerns related to soil pollution and its effects on ecosystem health. By gaining insights into the dynamics of heavy metal contamination in urban soils and its consequences for plant growth, this study aims to contribute valuable knowledge to the field of soil science and environmental management.