Trace element pollution biomonitoring using the bark of Pinus brutia (Turkish red pine) in the Western Anatolian part of Turkey

Background: Pinus brutia Ten (Turkish red pine) is a widespread evergreen tree in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions of Turkey. Methods: The barks of red pine were tested as a possible biomonitor of trace element pollution studied in the Western Anatolian part of Turkey. Samples collected from control, industry, roadside, suburban and rural areas from 30 locations in the study area were investigated. The concentration of cadmium, lead, chromium, iron, nickel and copper were determined in the bark of the red pine by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: As results of this study, the following concentrations were determined: Cd: 0.60 - 0.71 mu g g(-1), Pb: 4.59 - 20.03 [mu g g(-1), Cr: 0.44 - 3.17 mu g g(-1), Fe: 486.35 - 1274.04 mu g g(-1), Ni: 3.56 - 18.87 19 g(-1) and Cu: 3.52 - 15.30 mu g g(-1). Conclusion: The results of this study imply that barks of P brutia can be a useful biomonitor for the determining heavy metal pollution in an area