Trace/heavy metal accumulation in soil and in the shoots of acacia tree, Gümüşhane-Turkey

Abstract

In this study, heavy metal/trace element accumulation was investigated in soils along the road passing through Gümüshane city center and shoots of 1-2 years of acacia trees (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) grown in these soils. Heavy metal contents in soils and plants were analyzed by Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) parameters, and by Bio Accumulation Factor (BAF), respectively. According to geo-accumulation index (Igeo) data, it is seen that the soil was unpolluted in terms of Cr, Co, Cu, Rb, Sr; unpolluted to moderately polluted in terms of V, Ni and Zn; moderate to excessively polluted in terms of As, and moderate to excessively polluted in terms of Pb. According to EF parameters, on the other hand, it is observed that the soil was non to slightly enriched in terms of Cr, Co, Sr and Ba; non to moderately enriched in terms of Ni and Cu; slightly to significantly enriched in terms of Zn; significant to very highly enriched in terms of As and slightly to over excessively enriched in terms of Pb. Although trace/heavy metal contents of acacia shoots were usually within normal values for acacia, it was determined that Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Sr and Zn concentrations were within and/or above upper limits of normal values in certain sampling points.