Variations in Cu, Co, Cr, Cd, and Pb concentrations based on soil depth, plant species, and plant organs at copper mining sites

Abstract

Variations in Cu, Co, Cr, Cd, and Pb concentrations were evaluated in soil and plant organs at a copper mining site. Soil and plant samples (leaf, bark, wood, and root) were taken from different soil depths in the spoil area, the rehabilitation area where Pinus nigra Arnold., Pinus sylvestris L., and Robinia pseudoacacia L. species were planted, and the forest area. It was found that Cr and Cd concentrations in soils and Cu concentration in spoil areas were largely below the detectable limits. However, the concentration of these elements in plants was quite high. The highest concentrations were generally obtained in Pinus nigra. Except for Cr, the highest mean values were obtained in Pinus nigra. The highest translocation factor (TF) values calculated in the same way were also obtained in Pinus nigra and it was determined that the TF value was up to 6.739. The study results also show that Pinus nigra is a suitable species that can be used to reduce the pollution of the heavy metals subject to the study.