Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of Pb, Cd, and Cu in Pinus nigra L. and Eriobotrya japonica leaves used as biomonitors in environmental pollution.

The assessment of trace metal pollution in Gaziantep city-Turkey has been studied using plant leaves of Pinus nigra L. and Eriobotrya japonica as biomonitor. The concentrations up to 3,056 mg Pb kg(-1) in the needles of Pinus nigra L., and 367 ng Cd g(-1) in the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica were determined. The observed Cu concentrations were in range of 1.6-7.1 mg kg(-1). The Pb, Cd, and Cu levels in soils were determined to be in the range of 17-602, 0.142-0.656, and 12-38 mg kg(-1), respectively. It was concluded that Pinus nigra L. can be considered as both biomonitor of atmospheric Pb pollution and hyperaccumulator plant.