Metal concentrations in deciduous tree leaves from urban areas in Poland.

Accumulation of metals in deciduous tree foliage from urban areas in western-south Poland was monitored during the vegetation season of 2000 year. Concentrations of Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti and Zn were measured in birch, willow, linden and maple leaves using the ICP-AES method. Seasonal variations of metal concentrations and their relations with sampling site were investigated. The most dynamic accumulation of Al, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb was observed for examined species. The highest differences in element concentrations for investigated sites were found for Ba, Cd, Mn and Ni. Interelement correlations were investigated. In all foliar samples synergistic relationships between Al-Cr and Ca-Sr were found. Statistically significant negative correlations were observed only for Cd and Ti in birch leaves.