Determination of mineral nutition and heavy metal content of sweetgum tree (Liquidambar orientalis Mill.) distributed in Muğla province

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the nutritional status and heavy metal contents of Liquidambar orientalis Mill., an endemic species naturally distributed in Marmaris, Köyceğiz and Fethiye districts of Muğla province. Two different sampling points (highway side and 50 m distance from the highway) were determined at each location. both soil (0-30 cm) and leaf samples were taken at the sampling points. GPS coordinates of each sampling point were recoded. When the soil samples were examined, it was determined that the total N content varied between % 0.04 and % 0.32. In addition, it has been determined that the available P and available Ca values from soil macro elements are generally within the reference range. Considering the soil microelement levels, the Fe content was found to be high at all sampling points. When the Mn, Zn and Cu contents were examined, it was seen that they were within the determined limit values. However, when the soil heavy metal contents are examined, it has been determined that the Cr and Ni values are quite high in the Köyceğiz and Marmaris samples. The nutrient contents of the analyzed sweetgum leaf samples were found to be Ca 1.09-2.04 ppm, Mg 0.39-0.87 ppm, K value 1.22-1.98 ppm, P value was the lowest 0.14 ppm, while the highest was 0.37 ppm. Considering the leaf microelement contents, Fe 202.38-385.52 ppm, Mn 31.91-100.50 ppm, Zn 17.6-65.19 ppm, Cu value 4.18-19.64 ppm, B values between 21.10-74.35 ppm. Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb contents in the leaves, respectively; it was determined to be in the range of 0.04-0.09 ppm, 0.4-1.80 ppm, 2.85-6.87 ppm, 9.28-40.49 ppm and 0.52-2.15 ppm. Although some micro and heavy metals were found to be above the limit values, no physical evidence was found that the plants in the study were adversely affected by these high values metabolically. Keywords: Sweetgum (Liguidambar Orientalis Mill.), Soil, Mineral Nutrition, Heavy Metal