TITLE:
Metal Accumulation Capability by Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willd., Ailantus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus ilex L., Largely Distributed in the City of Rome
AUTHORS:
Loretta Gratani, Olena Vasheka, Francesco Bigaran
KEYWORDS:
Metals, Leaf, Soil, Urban Areas, Traffic Density, Portable X-Ray Fluorescence
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.12 No.1,
January
29,
2021
ABSTRACT: The main of the research was to analyze the leaf metal
accumulation capability of Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willd., Ailantus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus ilex L., largely distributed in
Rome. In addition, metal concentration was analyzed in the soil, sampling sites
were chosen in historical parks (A sites) and high traffic level sites (B sites).
The results highlight significant higher leaf and soil metal concentrations in B
than in A sites. The ratio between metal concentration in leaves and soils (Biological
Absorption Coefficient, BAC) for all the considered sites was significantly different
among the species. Morphological and anatomical
leaf traits of the considered species show significant differences in A and B sites
in response to traffic level. Overall,
the results highlight the importance of the selection of tree species in urban areas
for their ability to lower pollution levels.