Mercury content in tree plants in the industrial area of Cherepovets, Russia

Abstract

The aboveground organs of plants are natural bioindicators of atmospheric precipitation, and their study makes it possible to assess the state of the geochemical background of a number of elements, including mercury. Mercury is a highly toxic element for all living organisms. The mercury content was determined on the RA-915M mercury analyzer with PIRO attachment of the Regional shared services center of Cherepovets State University. The data on the content of mercury in the leaves of different types of woody and shrubby plants of the industrial area of Cherepovets are presented. The mercury content in the leaves of the studied plant species varied from 0.40 ng/g to 34.90 ng/g. It was noted that non-deciduous trees have the lowest levels of mercury in leaves – 9.80±1.01 ng/g, shrub forms have intermediate values – 12.47±0.92 ng/g and deciduous trees the highest concentrations –16 .95±0.56 ng/g. The results obtained can be used for scientifically-based regulation of the phytotechnology system of urbanized area and for more efficient landscaping.