Variation of Aluminum Concentrations in Annual Rings of Some Trees Growing in Ankara City Center Depending on Years and Species

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most critical concerns threatening environmental and individual health worldwide in the last century. Heavy metals in the air have particular importance due to their effects on human health. Therefore, watching the difference in heavy metal pollution in the airborne is extremely important. Tree annual rings are the most efficient biomonitors used to define the differences in heavy metal concentration levels in the airborne during the years. However, the accumulation of each element in tree annual rings varies depending on the species. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the species that can be used as biomonitors separately in determining the difference in the concentration of each element in the air over the years. This study aimed to determine the variation of Aluminum (Al) concentration in the air in the last 30 years in Ankara city center by using the annual rings of Platanus orientalis, Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm, Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carr. Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle trees. As a result, the maximum aluminum concentrations were found in the outer bark of all species. The maximum concentrations were found in Platanus orientalis L. in the wood part.