Effect of Gender and Age on the Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Taxus baccata L. Needles in the City Center of Krakow (Poland)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in heavy metal accumulation in yew (Taxus baccata L.) needles depending on gender and age. Trees growing in the same soil and forest conditions were selected for the study. The study was conducted in the botanical garden in the center of Krakow, and study plots were characterized by the same deposition of pollutants. Needles of yew and soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Heavy metal content and basic biochemical parameters were determined in needles samples. The study confirms the importance of gender and, to a greater extent, age of needles in the accumulation of heavy metals by yews growing in an urban agglomeration. On the basis of the results obtained, it can be concluded that male yew individuals have a high tolerance to heavy metal contamination and their high needle concentration. At the same time, female individuals, which are usually less tolerant to environmental stress, seem to have some physiological mechanisms protecting them from excessive heavy metal uptake from the soil. The accumulation of heavy metals in yew needles does not negatively affect the level of their biochemical parameters.