Determination of heavy metal accumulation in black pines (Pinus nigra Arnold) spreading in Ankara

In this study, concentrations of heavy metals (Al, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Ni) in the leaf, bark and soil samples of (Pinus nigra Arnold) from industrial sites, roadsides, inner city and control areas were determined with a focus on the city of Ankara. Our study aims to determine the level of heavy metal pollution in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. In this direction, the collected plant and soil samples have been pre-processed in the laboratory, and heavy metal analysis has been made in the ICP-OES device. ANOVA test and statistical comparisons have been conducted by using SPSS 22 Statistics Package Program and Microsoft Office Excel on the data obtained from plant parts and soil. As a result, it is indicated that there are significant differences between these regions in terms of heavy metal concentration in the unwashed and washed leaves. When the data are examined, it is determined that the concentration of heavy metals is especially high in the plant barks taken from the industrial zone. It is also concluded that P. nigra, which is widely common in urban areas, can be seen as a biomonitor in the determination of heavy metal pollution.