Bioaccumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements by the Needles of Eleven Pine Species in Low Polluted Area

摘要

This study presents the results of comparative analyses carried out in the Arboretum Mlyany, located in an uncontaminated area of south-western Slovakia. Bioaccumulation intensity of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn in the needles of eleven pine species was evaluated. Spectroscopic techniques along with standard protocols were applied to analyze elements content in 1- and 2-year-old needles and soil samples collected from 30 locations. The results were evaluated using Cluster Analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test. In examined stands, soil Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn contents ranged from 14.4 to 32.6, 6.3 to 46.5, 619.4 to 2228.4, 13.2 to 37.4, and 35.2 to 62.5 mg kg(-1), respectively, revealing low vertical mobility. Elemental concentrations were typical for fine-textured, uncontaminated soils of Central and Eastern Europe. Total Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn in pine needles ranged from 10.0 to 23.5, 2.6 to 7.6, 19.6 to 1804.2, 24.1 to 103.1, and 8.1 to 55.1 mg kg(-1), respectively, revealing slight differences between accumulation in 1- and 2-year-old needles. Pinus rigida Mill and Pinus sylvestris L. demonstrated the highest bioaccumulation capacity. The results presented in our study point to a specific bioaccumulation capacity of 11 pine species under low soil pollution levels.