Using Fractionation Profile of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils to Investigate Their Accumulation in Tilia sp. Leaves in Urban Areas with Different Pollution Levels

Miroslava Mitrović, Tijana Blanusa, Marija Pavlović, Dragana Pavlović, Olga Kostić, Veljko Perović, Snežana Jarić and Pavle Pavlović
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Miroslava Mitrović: Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research, Siniša Stanković—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
Tijana Blanusa: Science Department, Royal Horticultural Society, RHS Garden Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB, UK
Marija Pavlović: Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research, Siniša Stanković—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
Dragana Pavlović: Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research, Siniša Stanković—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
Olga Kostić: Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research, Siniša Stanković—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
Veljko Perović: Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research, Siniša Stanković—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
Snežana Jarić: Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research, Siniša Stanković—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
Pavle Pavlović: Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research, Siniša Stanković—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-24

Abstract: Optimal uptake of micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and managing the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Sr) in the ranges not detrimental to plant function may be linked to improving plants’ healthy growth and the ability to provide ecosystem services. We investigated concentrations, mobility, and potential availability of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil samples from polluted and non-polluted municipal parks in Reading (UK) and Belgrade (Serbia) and their impact on elemental concentrations in Tilia leaves. We aimed to identify common limiting factors potentially affecting the growth/healthy function of this widely-used tree species. Levels of all elements in soil were below limits established by the directive of European Communities, except for Ni at Belgrade sites. Content of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soluble fraction at all locations was <10%, indicating low mobility; B showed moderate mobility (11.1–20.7%), Mn (6.5–55.6%), and Sr—high (44–76.3%). Principal Component Analysis of Tilia leaf tissues showed a different capacity for uptake/accumulation of PTEs in different locations. Findings indicate the complexity of local edaphic influences on plants’ elemental uptake and the risk of those leading to deficiency of important micronutrients, which may impede trees’ function and thus the ability to optimally provide ecosystem services.

Keywords: lime trees; potentially toxic elements (PTEs); optimized BCR sequential procedure; PTEs fractionation profile; urban parks; urban soils (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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