Heavy metal accumulation of five biomonitor lichen species in the vicinity of Iron-steel plant in Karabük, Turkey and their comparative analysis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the suitability of five biomonitor lichen species ( Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Ramalina pollinaria and Usnea hirta) that were collected from Yenice Forest to the Karabuk Iron and Steel Factory in Karabuk, Turkey, from 10 sites. Method: Each of the five biomonitor lichen species was collected from every 5 kms starting from Yenice forest to iron steel factory. Accumulation of eight heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in examined lichen species were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: We have compared the capacity of five biomonitor lichen species to accumulate trace elements from the atmosphere which were collected from around the Karabuk Iron and Steel Factory in Karabuk, Turkey. Sites 1, 2, 7 and 10 were in the central parts of the city where human activities and density of traffic are very intense. Analytical studies by AAS demonstrated that the heavy metal accumulation capacity of P. furfuracea was significantly higher than other examined lichen species at sites 7 (40.628 µg/g) and 10 (53.802 µg/g) OZET Amac: Bes biyomonitor liken turunun (Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes, Pseudevernia