Heavy Metal Accumulation in Soil and Leaf Samples of Eucalyptus and Pine Species in the Vicinity of a Wood Industry Factory
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Master's degree in Desertification Department, Faculty of Desertology, Semnan University, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Forestry, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Desertification Department, Faculty of Desertology, Semnan University, Iran
Abstract
The rapid growth of the human population, coupled with the increasing demand for industrial infrastructure and anthropogenic requirements, has precipitated severe environmental challenges, including the overexploitation of natural resources and the degradation of soil, water, and air quality. This study investigates the absorption and accumulation of various heavy metals in two tree species, Eucalyptus camaldulensis D. and Pinus eldarica M., situated within the vicinity of the Aryan Shimi industrial plant in Mazandaran Province.
To evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals specifically Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Arsenic (As) in the soil and foliar tissues, three sampling stations were established around the plant, alongside a designated control site. A total of 36 soil samples and 18 leaf samples were collected. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) in the levels of Mn, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Cu between the control area and the afforested zones. Notably, the metal concentrations in the control site soil were higher than those in the soil beneath the afforested areas. This disparity was most pronounced for Cu (3.76 ppm), Mn (7.1 ppm), Pb (2.84 ppm), and Zn (3.84 ppm) in the control group compared to the forested soil.
Furthermore, a significant variation in metal concentrations was observed between the two studied species. The concentrations of Mn (98.63 ppm), Zn (39.35 ppm), and As (2.1 ppm) in Eucalyptus were substantially higher than those recorded for Pinus, which were 20.75 ppm, 21.38 ppm, and 0.95 ppm, respectively. The results demonstrate that heavy metal concentrations in leaf samples exceeded those in soil samples. This finding underscores the significant influence of industrial dust emissions and suggests a high rate of pollutant accumulation within the canopy of the studied species.
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