Investigation of Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals Concentration in Arak Metropolitan

Abstract

Background and purpose: Using plants to monitor contamination is a suitable method. In this regard, biomonitoring is one of the inexpensive and easy ways to evaluate the quality of air and soil. Considering the problem of contamination of metals such as chromium, cadmium, nickel and lead in the industrial city of Arak, which is reported by researchers, it is likely that these pollutants will be highly absorbed by existing greenhouse plants. Therefore in this study, the amount of heavy metals contamination in mulberry trees (Morus alba) was investigated in different site of the Arak city during the months of May to June 2012. Materials and methods: The amount of 13 elements was measured in the fruit and leaf organs of the Morus alba var. pendula and Morus alba with three replications in the landscapes of the Arak city. The map of distribution of heavy metals concentration in fruit and leaf separately in each individual case was carried out using Inverse Distance Weighted method in GIS environment. Results: Based on the comparison of the limitations of metals in food products and the amount of metals found in fruits of berry trees in Arak areas, the berries were high and unauthorized due to contamination of aluminum (29 mg l-1), cadmium (0.66 mg l-1) and lead (1.3 mg l-1). Metal pollution contamination mapping showed that the distribution of most metal contaminants is outside the industrial zone and there is more accumulation in the central regions. Probably, the dispersion of heavy metal particles from industrial sites has led to an increase in the concentration of metals in these areas. Conclusion: Therefore, due to the contamination of the mulberry fruit of these heavy metals, there is a serious warning about the consumption of this fruit, especially in the city of Arak.

Keywords

• accumulation
• edible fruit
• metal pollution
• mulberry