DETERMINATION OF HEAVY-METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN PLANTS EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT DEGREES OF POLLUTION USING ICP-AES

Plant samples (Plantago lanceolata - narrow leaf plantain and Cichoriu m endiviae - endive) were collected in the surroundings of heavy metal emission sources and in other less contaminated areas. After digestio n in a closed microwave system using HNO3, the concentrations of Cd, C o, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined using ICP-AES. D etection limits for all the elements of interest are given. Difference s in heavy metal uptake rate between both plant species were observed. The uptake is more intensive for endive than for narrow leaf plantain . High concentrations of some heavy metals were determined in the unwa shed plant samples as a result of exposure to aerosols. Tukey's statis tical test was used to confirm the discrepancy of Cr concentration in plant samples from various areas. Washing the leaves with water was fo und to remove a large amount of water-soluble aerosols.