AVAILABILITY OF MACLURA POMIFERA (RAFIN.) SCHNEIDER AS A BIOMONITOR FOR THE HEAVY METAL POLLUTION

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution usually results from traffic in the city centers. Because of its location Amasya expose to high traffic and atmospheric pollution. In this study, we examined the availability of the Madura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider for monitoring heavy metal pollution. In addition, heavy metal pollution of Amasya was evaluated. Leaf samples were collected from the M. pomifera individuals on the city street. Leaf samples were dried in drying oven at 70 degrees C and then milled. Wet digestion method was applied to milled leaf samples. Heavy metal concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrofotometer.. Leaf samples of M. pomifera contained much Fe than other elements. The concentrations of other elements, except Fe and Mn were also high. In this context, it may be said that M. pomifera can be used as a biomonitor for heavy metal pollution. Besides, there were Co, Cr, Ni and Pb pollution in Amasya city center.