Abstract
This work evaluates current mercury (Hg) contamination in Poland, represented by the Hg concentrations in Scots pine foliage. Samples were collected over 295 investigation plots in monitoring grids throughout Poland, from pines aged between 12 and 147 years. Analyses were conducted with consideration of bioclimatic factors and soil properties. Concentrations in the pine foliage did not exceed the values characteristic of an ecosystem unaffected by industrial pollution, ranging from 0.0032 to 0.0252 mg kg−1 dry mass. However, pine stands located in western and central Poland, and in the northwest near the Baltic Sea, exhibited higher Hg concentrations in foliage than in eastern regions. Hg content in foliage depends on the mean temperature of the driest quarter, as well as on Hg content in soils. This indicates that the periods of drought observed in recent years in Poland may affect Hg concentrations in pine foliage.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
