The Determination of Metal Accumulation in Firethorn (Pyracantha Coccinea M. Roemer) Leaves in Eskisehir (Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, firethorn plant (Pyracantha coccinea M. Roemer), a prevalent shrub in Eskisehir (Turkey) city, was used to monitor the influence of metal pollution caused by traffic. Samples were collected in the fall and winter seasons from ten locations. The concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) was determined from plant leaves. Besides, metal contents were examined in the surface soil (0–30 cm) samples collected from each location. The heavy metals determined from leaves and soil was evaluated statistically against motorized vehicles number. A meaningful correlation between heavy metal concentrations in plant and soil samples and vehicles number was determined. In addition, the metal concentrations in firethorn leaves have been compared with the critical heavy metal values in the literature. The mean metal (Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb) concentrations were found higher than the limit values. According to the metal studied the highest Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb concentrations for firethorn leaves are found in the Ankara-Istanbul intercity highway (location 2) and the highest Cr and Ni levels are found in the main gate of Anadolu University, intercity highway (location 9). It was clearly found that human and other living organisms are under the risk of heavy metal pollution.