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Heavy metal contamination of topsoil and parts of peach-tree growing at different distances from a smelting complex
Dimitrijević, M.D.; Nujkić, M.M.; Alagić, S.Č.; Milić, S.M. & Tošić, S.B.
Abstract
This paper reports on the content of six heavy
metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd and Ni) in topsoil and parts of
peach-tree, sampled from eight locations in urban–industrial
and rural areas located at various distances from the
Bor copper smelter, Serbia. Topsoil samples were analyzed
for physical and chemical properties, while the content of
heavy metals in all samples was determined using an
inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer
(iCAP 6000). The enrichment factor showed that the topsoil
was enriched by heavy metals (except for nickel), at all
locations. An extreme enrichment by copper was found at
six locations (EFsoil = 86–101). The enrichment factors of
heavy metals in peach-tree parts were highest in roots and
leaves. The most extreme enrichment by copper was found
to occur in the roots (EFplant = 68.80) from the flotation
tailing pond. Among the studied heavy metals, only the
content of zinc was within normal limits for plants. Calculated
biological concentration factors (BCF<1) indicated
a limited soil-to-root transfer of heavy metals.
Moreover, the leaf/branch ratio as well as numerous and
very strong Pearson’s correlations between elements in the
peach-tree parts confirmed that leaves represent the best
indicators of pollution originating from atmospheric
deposition. Principal component analysis identified sources
of heavy metals in soil and parts of peach-tree.
Keywords
Toxic elements; Enrichment factor; Prunus persica; Pollution
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