Heavy metal content of asphodelus aestivus brot. from degraded areas in the mediterranean environment (Bursa, Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, we determined the heavy metal content (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the soils and different organs of Asphodelus aestivus Brot. (Walter). from degraded areas in the Mediterranean environment from Bursa, Turkey. The last degradation stage of ecosystems in the east Mediterranean Basin is dominated by this species. Soils and different organs (roots, stems, leaves and flowers) of plant samples were analyzed by ICP-OES for determining the heavy metal content. The heavy metal contents were not high in the soils of all samples sites. In general, the heavy metal contents of plant samples were not higher than the comparable levels reported in literature. But we determined the high cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead contents in plant samples compared to normal levels which reported in some studies. These results may reflect the possible Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb accumulation capacity of this species. However, the contribution of plant organs to accumulation capacity of this species was specific to metal. The possible capability of A. aestivus for accumulating the Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb may help to plant to become dominant on degraded areas in the Mediterranean environment.