Bioindication of heavy metals pollution in the towns: Bedzin and Czeladz

Abstract

The analysis of heavy metals in plant leaves is suggested as a method for the identification of polluted areas. We determinted the following heavy metals: Zn, Pb and Cd concentrations in birch Betula pendula leaves, a common species found in urban parks and postindustrial areas in Poland. Samples of soil and birch leaves were collected in September 2007 from more and less polluted sites in Bedzin and Czeladz (Silesian province, southern Poland, 8 stands for each town). Concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd in leaves and the upper layer of soil (0–10 cm) were determined. The heavy metal pollution of the investigated cities was on a comparable level. The obtained Cd and Pb concentrations in leaves were below the toxic range. Only Zn concentrations in some sites were higher than the level considered as toxic. Pb and Cd levels determined in the investigations exceed acceptable metal concentrations for soil in more stands in Bedzin.