Samples of standardized grass cultures and depositions collected accor
ding to BERGERHOFF revealed differing concentration gradients of Pb, S
b and Cd vs. distance to heavily traveled roads. Results suggest varyi
ng suitability of the methods with regard to indication of metal pollu
tion. Bioaccumulation of Pb in grass (in terms of deposition plus inco
rporation) was moderate compared to Pb depositions. Bioaccumulation of
Sb, however, showed stronger concentration gradients compared to Sb d
epositions. Positive correlations (r = 0.6 to 0.8) between deposition
and grass contents of Pb and Sb were found. Pb and Sb contents in gras
s, sampled at roadside locations correlated significantly, too. It is
being suggested that varying bioaccumulation mechanisms of the metals
are due to their predominance on different sizes of particles and to t
heir individual prevalence in a number of different metal compounds. C
opyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd