Monitoring the change of silicon pollution in air and usability of Tilia tomentosa in reducing pollution

Abstract

In recent years, urbanization and environmental pollution have increased significantly, posing a risk to human health. The silicon (Si) concentration in the air is also increasing due to its intensive use in urban areas. Si is one of the heavy metals that pose a danger to human health, and it is known that heavy metals can be extremely harmful when inhaled from the air and taken into the human body. Therefore, monitoring and reducing the change of Si pollution in the air is important. This study tried to determine the usability of Tilia tomentosa, which is intensively grown in urban areas where heavy metal pollution can be at high levels, for monitoring and reducing the change of Si pollution in the air. Within the scope of the study, the changes of Si concentration in the stem parts of Tilia tomentosa grown in Düzce, among the five most polluted cities in Europe, depending on organ, direction, and age range in the last 60 years, were evaluated. As a result of the study, it was concluded that urban areas mostly cause Si pollution in the region. As a result of the study, it was determined that Tilia tomentosa is a suitable species that can be used to monitor the change in Si pollution and reduce pollution.