Effect of traffic routes on the trace element concentration in plants in the Warsaw agglomeration

Abstract

This work presents the results of an analysis of concentration levels of selected trace metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd) in plants and soil near the main roads of the Warsaw agglomeration. The aim of the study was to assess the degree of contamination by selected trace elements of plants growing at different distances from the road (directly at the roadside and 50 meters away from the road) and to examine the relationship between the concentration of the tested parameters in the soil and their content in the plant. It was found that the lack of clear differentiation in the levels of all heavy metals in plants depending on the distance from the road was associated with the possibility of considerable pollutant migration. In addition, it was found that dandelion usually reveals higher concentrations of heavy metals than meadow-grass.

Keywords

• trace elements
• Warsaw agglomeration
• transport