Safety of the environments (land, air and water) including plants and animals inhabiting it is a concern for many ecologists nowadays and this is due to human ecosystems' exploration. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the heavy metals' levels, phytochemical profiles, mineral and proximate compositions of four commonly consumed vegetables in Lagos State. Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina, Telfairia occidentalis, Gnetum africanum and Parquetina nigrescens were obtained in some major markets in Lagos State; the leaves of the vegetables were subjected to laboratory analysis for the determination of phytochemical, mineral, proximate and heavy metals' concentrations using standard procedures. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Proximate analysis revealed appreciable amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat, moisture and ash contents in the vegetables. The phytochemical profiling revealed the presence of some vital secondary metabolites viz: tannins, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroid, phlobatanin, alkaloid and sugar except terpenoids within the four vegetables sampled. However, it was observed that T. occidentalis lack saponins; P. nigrescens contain no tannins and phenols while, G. africanum show no steroids and phlobatannins. Also, the analysis of metals revealed the range of minerals-K (27.51-68.09mg/100g), Mg (25.68-27.60mg/100g), Mn (0.31-1.06mg/100g), Zn (0.45-1.42mg/100g), Fe (2.20-6.65mg/100g), P (1.10-1.19mg/100g) and Na (1.36-2.15mg/100g) and heavy metals-Pb (0.10-0.28mg/100g), Ag (0.04-0.57mg/100g), Cd (.01-0.90mg/100g), Cu (2.95-3.35mg/100g), Cr (0.075-2.60mg/100g), Co (0.45-0.95mg/100g) and Ni (1.16-2.60mg/100g) and all these elements were within or below the World Health Organization's permissible limits for toxicity. Hence, these four vegetables commonly consumed in Lagos are good and toxic free for consumption and continuous check on the consumed vegetables in Lagos to avoid toxicity since it's a mega city with industrialization is recommended.

Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter-leaf) is a plant whose consumption (leaf and stem) by human races especially Nigeria cannot be underestimated. It is mostly consumed because of its nutritional and medicinal uses in correcting some ailments such as high blood sugar, hypertension, and so on. Vernonia amygdalina growth is hinged on the availability or absence of water in relation to soil. Thus, this study assessed the effect of water stress on the morphological growth of Vernonia amygdalina seedlings. The stem cuttings were obtained from viable growing bitter-leaf plant situated on a small well cultivated garden with only bitter-leaf plants. The experiment was carried out at the Greenhouse of the Botanical Garden of Lagos State University, Ojo. The data were analyzed and result presented in table and bar graph. The result showed that although V. amygdalina can be planted using all types of water treatment as observed in this experiment, the result of the three watering regime shows that the best and favourable growth environment for this plant is normal wet treatment water regime (wetting everyday) followed by water logged treatment water regime (excess water) and the least favourable growth environment which can be manageable in absence of the two first mentioned water treatment is the drought treatment (wetting once a week). The amount of water available to plant will affect the rate of photosynthesis. If the plant does not have enough water, the plant's stomata will shut and the plant will be deprived of carbon dioxide.

This study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of carbon sequestration of plants used in the beautification and greening of Ikeja metropolis, Lagos State (South West, Nigeria). The efficiency of carbon sequestration of plants was extrapolated from foliar chlorophyll content of each plant. The results showed that in areas with ornamental plants, the level of carbon dioxide is relatively low compared to areas without plants. Along the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)/Bank Anthony location, the mean carbon dioxide concentration in areas without plants was 17.10±0.06 mg/ml while areas within the same location but with plants have a carbon dioxide concentration of 6.91±1.73 mg/ml. It was observed that, Terminalia catappa (Almond) has the greatest sequestration efficiency; with mean total chlorophyll content of 1.00±0.02 mg/l while Murraya paniculata (Murraya exotic) has a mean total chlorophyll content of 0.41±0.03 mg/l. The results of the research showed that plants found in the area sequester carbon efficiently with Terminalia catappa (Almond) and Polyalthia longifolia (Masquerade) having highest carbon sequestration potentials when compared to the shrubs. basis for a formal and on-going carbon management programme, with the potential to do more. This research provides a useful foundation for future action on carbon sequestration in the state and country at large. It could form the basis to inform the on-going management of carbon sequestration, including the planning of new planting and decisions regarding the management of mature trees to improve the state's and country's environmental reputation.

Postharvest loss of fruits is a critical problem due of rapid deterioration during handling, transportation and warehousing. Edible coating over fruits is utilised to boost their quality and shelf life. The effects of leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Aloe vera gel on the elongation of the shelf life of orange fruits were evaluated. Orange fruits were treated with Guava leaf powder and A. vera gel to assess their effectiveness in extending their shelf life and quality in storage. Weight loss, firmness, post-harvest decay, marketability and shelf life of uncoated and coated samples were evaluated all through the period of this study. Fungi were also isolated from deteriorating samples. A. vera was able to preserve the orange samples for 21 days; P. guajava preserved them for 17 days while the untreated fruit samples stayed for 14 days. Three fungi viz: Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizopus stolonifer were isolated from the decomposing orange fruits. The result shows that orange fruits coated with A. vera gel and guava leaf powder is effective in extending the shelf-life of orange fruits when compared to untreated fruit (control) in the following order: A. vera>P. guajava > control. The findings from this study indicate that plant extracts could be employed to prolong the shelf life and improve quality of orange fruits.