The influences of airborne pollution originating from the Mining-Metallurgical Complex Bor (Serbia) on the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn in the samples of Tilia spp. and Pinus spp. were examined. The roots, branches, leaves/needles and soil were sampled in urban-industrial, rural and background zone at different distances from the copper smelter and at prevailing wind directions. According to the results of the enrichment factors, branches were the plant parts most enriched with Cu and Pb. The results of cluster analysis indicate that the most endangered zone in Bor is urban-industrial (at sites 0.5 km and 1 km away from the copper smelter). Aerial parts of both plant species can be used for biomonitoring of air pollution, although pine needles showed a higher level of response to pollution. According to the bioconcentration factor, translocation factor and translocation index, high concentrations of Cu and Pb in aerial parts of pine and linden are mostly a consequence of airborne pollution.

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The aim of the study was determination of air pollution impact of the copper smelter in Bor and its surroundings (Serbia) by assessing the suitability of birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and spruce (Picea abies L.) for the purposes of biomonitoring and comparing it with previously published data from the same study area. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn in leaves/needles, branches, roots and soil were determined. Sampling was performed during 2009 in two zones with high load of air pollution due to copper mining and smelting activities, and one background zone. Metal accumulation and translocation was evaluated in terms of biological factors. In addition, plant enrichment factor was calculated. According to the results, plant foliage was not enriched through soil, which indicates absorption from the air, with both species acting as excluders of Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn. Leaves were more enriched with all the metals than needles, indicating a better response of birch to airborne pollution than spruce. Cluster analysis showed different level of pollution at the sites, while correlations between Cu and Pb obtained by Principal Component Analysis indicated their anthropogenic origin. Regarding previously published results, beside birch leaves, pine needles (which showed higher level of response to pollution compared to linden leaves) could be applied in air biomonitoring surveys near copper smelters.