Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals in the Bieszczady National Park Using Soil and "Fagus sylvatica" L. Leaves

Abstract

The investigation of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper content was carried out in the soil (from the level 0–10 cm) and in the leaves of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the Bieszczady National Park. Samples of soil and plants material were collected in 2007 from 63 selected sites. The level of Zn, Cd and Cu in the plants leaves and soil was below the values considered as toxic levels for the protected area. The lowest and the average (4,4 μg/g d.m.) concentrations of copper in the leaves of Fagus sylvatica L. were definitely lower than the normal level, which indicated a deficiency of that element. In the analyzed soil samples it was noted that the concentration of Pb (mean 31 μg/g d.m.) which as higher than the normal level for the protected area.