Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Trees Grown in Urban Gardens of Nassiryah City, Iraq

Abstract

Shrrog Hammed Hlail.

Heavy metal pollution in roadside soil and trees because of traffic emission has been recognized for a long time of Nasiriyah city, Iraq. The study was conducted to examine the heavy metals content of five plant species of Zizphus, Cordia, Morus, Salix alba and Ficus the concentration of heavy metals was tested, including the iron, zinc and copper. Heavy metals were detected using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The accumulation of Fe, Cu, and Zn in roadside soil was affected by human activity. Significant difference (p<0.05) in Fe, Cu and Zn content were found in soil samples. The results showed that the highest concentration of iron in Morus leaves and Ficus leaves. Among the Zizphus, Cordia, Morus, Salix alba and Ficus studied, showed higher heavy metals concentration Zn and Cu of Zizphus leaves. The results indicated that the Salix alba leaves had the lowest heavy metals content compared with Zizphus, Cordia, Morus, and Ficus. It could be concluded that impaction of traffic emission on the accumulation of heavy metals in roadside trees and soils in urban area was slight.