Soil Biomonitoring by Sea Mulberry Plant in Ahwaz Region, Iran

ABSTRACT: in this research Samples were collected from four sampling sites representing area of high traffic density, area future away from traffic and Industrial area. Samples were collected in two stages (May and October) in 2011 for chemical analysis. Samples from village near the city also analyzed for comparison. Based on the results, the stages of leaf sampling did not showed any significant effect on the concentration of the measured heavy metals in leaf samples. Chemical analysis of soil samples at depth of 0-10cm showed that concentration of most of these elements was lower than the maximum recommended levels. Concentrations of measured heavy metals in washed leaves were lower than those of unwashed leaves of Sea Mulberry and different was significant. In spite of that, there was no significant correlation between the concentrations of heavy metals in washed leaves and soil samples. Results of this assessment showed that the industry and traffic were the main source of air heavy metal pollution in Ahwaz, and Sea Mulberry is a dependable biomonitor for soil pollution investigations.