The Role of Duckweeds as a Sustainable Technology for the Remediation of Water Pollution

Abstract

Pollution is a global environmental and public health problem in modern society. Water pollution is the second leading causes of death after air pollution. Freshwater resources in Nigeria are rapidly declining as a result of municipal and industrial pollution. Industrial activities mainly from agriculture, manufacturing, chemical and paints, breweries, pulp and paper, tourism and hospitality, leather and textiles, electronics, maritime and shipping, mining of solid minerals and from the oil and gas industry are affecting rivers, streams, wetlands and coastal regions across Nigeria. Oil spill resulting from accident, poor maintenance culture, corrosion of oil facilities and sabotage have led to the degradation of the natural environment, pollution of water resources, reduction in biodiversity and significant impact on the social, economic and health of local people. Oil spill in aquatic environment results in death (lethal) of aquatic life. Even when plant and animals survive, some may fail to reproduce (sub-lethal effect) due to irreversible damage to tissues and organs leading to long-term habitat disruption. Treatments technologies using chemicals, enzymes, microbes and plants have been developed over time for the treatment of water pollution. Among the various technologies available for the treatment of water pollution, the application of duckweeds has been proven effective as a sustainable and ecological friendly solution for the removal of organic pollutants, heavy metals, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and hydrocarbons from the aquatic environment.