EDXRF ANALYSIS OF TRACE-ELEMENTS IN NERIUM-OLEANDER FOR POLLUTION MONITORING

Biomonitoring studies of elements (Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr and Pb) in leaves of Nerium oleander were performed using energy-dispersive x- ray fluorescence spectrometry. The samples were collected at different locations in Lisbon, some with light and others with heavy traffic. T he results were compared with those obtained for samples from the same species collected in an unpolluted region. Significant differences in the concentrations of some elements, particularly iron, titanium, zin c, strontium and lead, were found for samples from different locations . Titanium and iron concentrations had similar variations from one sit e to another with an almost constant ratio (Ti/Fe almost-equal-to 0.2) . The concentrations of lead were, as expected, higher at locations wi th heavier traffic.