Geoecological Features of Zinc Accumulation in the Soil - Plants System of Urban Ecosystems

Abstract

The study aims to determine zinc accumulation in urban soil and in common urban landscape species of woodlands, bushes and herbaceous plants (22 species). Maximum metal concentration was observed in the soil of landscapes of industrial-utility and in residential multistore areas with increased transport load (125.7-154.7 mg/kg -1 ). Zinc (Zn) content of plant leaves in urban areas depended on its concentration in soil (r = 0.86-0.99, p<0.05) and the vegetation period. The minimum Zn content in plant leaves was observed at the beginning of the growing season (May), and later with increasing age and leaf blade area, the metal concentration increased, reaching a maximum in October. The highest rates of metal bioaccumulation were found in Syringa vulgaris (1.24 %), Rosa rugosa (1.17 %) and Populus nigra (1.1 %). These species will be useful for phytoremediation of areas moderately polluted with Zn. A decrease in Zn BAC and an increase in its concentration in the soil were identified in the majority of plant species. Plant species capable of limiting the entry of Zn from the environment were also identified.