Determining the recent changes of some heavy metal concentrations from traffic with the help of blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm)

Air pollution, one of the most critical problems globally, has reached a level that threatens human health in many city centers and causes the death of millions of people every year. Heavy metals are of great importance among the components of air pollution. Because heavy metals can remain in nature for a long time without being degraded, they bioaccumulate in living organisms, and their concentrations in the air are constantly increasing. Therefore, monitoring heavy metal concentration is extremely important. One of the methods used to monitor heavy metal concentrations is biomonitors. It is crucial to determine the heavy metal concentration in the plants, determine the pollution level in the regions where they are located, and monitor heavy metal pollution. The needles of coniferous species can remain on the tree for many years, and therefore, both needle and branch ages can be determined easily. This study was aimed to determine the changes in Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Aluminum (Al), and Iron (Fe) concentrations in Picea pungens Engelm organs depending on the organ, organ age, washing status, and location. As a result, heavy metal concentrations changed significantly depending on the factors evaluated in the study.