Heavy metal accumulation of urban Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantation

In soil and plant tissues, the concentrations and reserves of manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were calculated to measure the heavy metal quantities of the Scots pine afforestation. In the soil and plant tissues, heavy metal concentrations varied. The highest concentration of heavy metal was found in Mn and the lowest concentration in Pb in the soil. Heavy metal stocks followed the order of Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb in soil, and the order of Zn > Cu > Mn > Ni > Pb in the plant. In the Scots pine parts, Pb and Zn concentrations and BCFs follow Needle > Branch > Bark > Root > Trunk order, while Cu concentrations follow Root > Needle > Branch > Bark > Trunk order, Mn concentrations follow Needle > Branch > Bark > Trunk > Root order and Ni concentrations follow Needle > Branch > Root > Bark > Trunk order. In particular, Scots pine needles are considered to be ideal to be used as biomonitoring plants, especially in monitoring increases in heavy metal concentrations in urban areas. Besides, in order to be more effective in the retaining of heavy metals, it is proposed that mixtures of hyperaccumulator plants be added which are appropriate for climatic conditions.