Assessment of Cr and Zn deposition on Picea pungens Engelm. in urban air of Ankara, Türkiye

Abstract

Trace metal pollution is a vital issue in ecological problems (air, soil, and water), and it threatens human health in many urban areas worldwide. The accumulation of heavy metals released from various sources can readily occur on plants and impairs their growth. Therefore, monitoring metal concentration is extremely important when released into the atmosphere from one place to another urban environment. Biomonitor is one of the passive methods used to track selected elements. Chromium (Cr) has adverse effects on plants when it is in high concentrations; therefore, the variation of its concentration in plants is important to be assessed. Another target element, zinc (Zn), has different essential metabolic functions in plants and is crucial in protein and carbohydrate synthesis. It directly affects the plant due to its protein and carbohydrate synthesis role. This study aimed to determine the variation of the Cr and Zn concentration ratio in the organs of Picea pungens Engelm. from Ankara, Türkiye. According to organ, age, washing status, and location, Picea pungens Engelm. showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for Cr and Zn pollution on the road shoulders. Their location on the tree can easily determine the age of the needles and branches. The total values of bark for Cr and Zn were calculated as 23,887 ppb and 672,012 ppb in barks in unwashed samples. The result of the Cr and Zn content was significantly evaluated using ANOVA and Duncan test. The P. pungens is an excellent passive sampler as a biomonitor for the Cr and Zn distribution in the local atmospheric environment.