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Changes in soil and leaf trace element concentrations: a study in Naples city centre
Flavia De Nicola1, Giulia Maisto, Anna Alfani
1Dip. Biologia Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy. fldenico@unina.it
Summary
This study tracked trace element levels in urban Naples and remote Mt. Vesuvius. Airborne deposition significantly impacts leaf and soil contamination, with traffic flow influencing heavy metal concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Urban Ecology
Background:
- Urban environments accumulate trace elements from various sources.
- Understanding spatial and temporal variations is crucial for assessing environmental impact.
- Quercus ilex (holm oak) is a valuable bioindicator for air pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spatial and temporal changes of trace element concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, V, Zn) in Quercus ilex leaves and soils.
- To compare contamination levels between an urban area (Naples) and a remote control site (Mt. Vesuvius).
- To identify potential sources and pathways of trace element deposition.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of Quercus ilex leaves and surrounding soils at five urban sites and one remote site over four periods (May 2001, Sept 2001, Jan 2002, May 2002).
- Analysis of trace element concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, V, Zn) using atomic absorption spectrometry.
- Statistical analysis to determine spatial trends, temporal variations, and correlations between elements and matrices.
Main Results:
- Urban sites in Naples exhibited distinct spatial contamination patterns for different elements.
- High traffic flow areas showed elevated leaf concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, V, and Zn.
- Significant correlations between lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in leaves and soils suggest common origin and atmospheric deposition.
- Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations decreased, while Cr increased from May 2001 to May 2002.
Conclusions:
- Trace element contamination in urban Naples is influenced by traffic and atmospheric deposition.
- Wet and dry airborne deposition plays a significant role in contaminating both foliage and soils.
- While seasonal variations were observed, mature Quercus ilex leaf trace element concentrations were not significantly affected by sampling period or season.