Screening of heavy metal pollution in Bulgaria using Populus nigra 'Italica'

The pollution with As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sb and Zn on the territo ry of Bulgaria has been evaluated using standardized samples of leaves of P opulus nigra 'Italica' collected during the last 10 years. Background value s for the respective elements are established in the leaves of the plant. T he comparisons of urban and industrial pollution to some other European cou ntries indicate similar or lower concentrations. Using cluster analysis of the analytical data the territory of Bulgaria is divided into six regions w ith different pollution levels. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r eserved.