Viscum albumversus host (Sorbus aucuparia) as bioindicators of urban areas with various levels of pollution

Abstract

In this investigation we focus on the concentration of elements in Viscum album and its host (Sorbus aucuparia) as bioindicators of urban pollution. These broadly widespread species, very common in polluted areas may provide important information to monitor environmental quality throughout the year, especially for V. album. Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were measured in the leaves and soil of the tree S. aucuparia as well as in V. album, a semi-parasite living on this tree species. The tree and the semi-parasite were studied in the urban environment of Oława (SW Poland). This area was selected because of the influence of a zinc smelter on the level of metal pollution of soil and plants and to compare the ability of S. aucuparia and V. album to accumulate metals. V. album appeared to be a better bioaccumulator of Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn and a weaker accumulator of Co than S. aucuparia in less polluted sites of Oława. S. aucuparia was a better bioaccumulator of Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn and a weaker accumulator of Co than V. album in more polluted sites. Cluster analysis of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations in plants distinguished sites with lower and higher pollution levels which suggests a possibility of using these species for bioindication. However, the ratio of metals in V. album to S. aucuparia was different depending on the pollution level.

Biosynthesis of the ZnO/SnO2 nanoparticles and characterization of their photocatalytic potential for removal of organic water pollutants

“…Viscum album L, is one of the evergreen and semi-parasitic plants that grows on different host trees, especially on deciduous trees [32]. This plant is used to treat and prevent various diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, stroke, and hypertension [33]. It shows antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-cancer activities, and thus is widely used as an antioxidant and an immune system regulator [34].…”

Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland:Viscum album

“…The accumulation of heavy metals (Section 6.5) is influenced by the degree of environmental pollution. In an area polluted by a zinc smelter, Mistletoe accumulated less Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn than its host Sorbus aucuparia (Kolon et al, 2013). Mistletoe leaves sampled in mining areas of northern Germany showed higher concentrations of heavy metals (Cd 12, Cu 13, Ni 5, Pb 0.9, Zn 675 mg/kg) on low contamination sites compared to highly contaminated sites (Cd <0.1, Cu 10, Ni 0.4, Pb 1.1, Zn 123 mg/kg).…”

The effect of vehicle exhaust emissions on morphometric and physiological characteristics of Rhus typhina

“…Changes in the number of leaves on shoots of woody plants on the territories polluted with exhaust gas have been determined by a number of authors. Negative impact of the above-mentioned pollutants on this parameter was determined for silver birch (Pihalo, 2014), rowan (Kolon et al, 2013), common lilac (Bessonova, 2006).…”