Determination of heavy metals in bio-collectors as indicator of environmental pollution

Abstract

The heavy metal levels in bio-collector (Fabaceae Rabinia Pseudoacacia L. sprouts) samples collected from seven sites, which had the characteristic properties of the Sivas city, Turkey, in year 2000, have been determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), after the bio-collector sprouts were prepared for analysis by bio-collector-ultrasonic leaching method (BC-ULM). The results of the analyses were used to determine major sources and magnitude of heavy metal pollution. The mean concentration levels of Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Cd were found to be 6.8, 5.5, 6.7, 12.4 and 0.20 mug/g fresh bio-collector, respectively, for September 2000. The highest levels of the heavy metals at the sites affected by industrial emissions and heavy traffic were noted. The heavy metal levels in urban bio-collectors were several times higher than the background levels. After heavy metal pollution factors of each site were determined, their possible major pollutant sources were discussed.