Contents of trace elements and sulphur in the leaves of deciduous trees along the roads of Zonguldak, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, 16 trace elements (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn) and S were found in unwashed leaves of several deciduous tree species [Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner, Platanus orientalis L., Salix babylonica L.]. Samples were collected from 28 points distributed over 5 sites representing different traffic intensities in the city of Zonguldak. The relationships of sampling sites were determined using the UPGMA method. According to the results of analyses, the trace element and S concentrations in the observed tree species were ordered as follows: S>Mg>Fe>Sr>Zn> B>Ba>Al>Mn>Cu>Pb> Ni> V>Cr>Li>Co>Cd in Alnus glutinosa; S>Mg>Fe>Sr>Zn> Mn> Ba >Al>B>Cu>Pb> Cr>V>Li>Ni>Co>Cd in Platanus orientalis; S>Fe>Mg>Zn> Sr>Al>Ba>B>Mn>Cu> V>Pb>Ni>Li>Cr>Cd>Co in Salix babylonica. Significant positive correlations existed between the amount of heavy metals (r=0.81-1.00). The results are discussed in the context of prior studies. © by PSP