Evaluation of trace element pollution from vehicle emissions in petunia plants

Effects of environmental pollution from road traffic on trace element accumulation and deposition were examined in washed and unwashed petunia leaves. The plants were grown in an urban and in a suburban area. Substantial amounts of elements were removed simply by washing with demineralised water, which removed at least 45% of Al, Fe and Pb and 15% of Mn, Cu and Zn in urban areas, where the aerial deposition took place. Throughout the growing season, the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Al, Ni and Pb increased in the washed leaves of the petunia plants grown in urban areas. However, the plant very specifically controlled the contents of Mn and Zn. Concentrations of elements were significantly higher in washed leaves from the urban area than those from the surburban area, indicating that this ornamental plant is able to absorb Fe, Al, Ni and Pb through its root and leaves. Periodic assessment of the accumulation of trace elements in urban areas with intense traffic is important in order to evaluate the rate of environmental pollution.