Assessment of Airborne Heavy Metal Pollution Using Pinus spp. and Tilia spp.

Abstract

The influences of airborne pollution originating from the Mining–Metallurgical Complex Bor (Serbia) on the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn in the samples of Tilia spp. and Pinus spp. were examined. The roots, branches, leaves/needles and soil were sampled in urban-industrial, rural and background zone at different distances from the copper smelter and at prevailing wind directions. According to the results of the enrichment factors, branches were the plant parts most enriched with Cu and Pb. The results of cluster analysis indicate that the most endangered zone in Bor is urban-industrial (at sites 0.5 km and 1 km away from the copper smelter). Aerial parts of both plant species can be used for biomonitoring of air pollution, although pine needles showed a higher level of response to pollution. According to the bioconcentration factor, translocation factor and translocation index, high concentrations of Cu and Pb in aerial parts of pine and linden are mostly a consequence of airborne pollution.