Study of atmospheric pollution levels by trace elements analysis of tree bark and leaves

Abstract

The concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, and Mn in leaf and bark samples of 7 tree species at 22 sampling locations with different pollution levels, in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, were investigated. The metal concentrations (mean ± RSD in mg g^-1) in leaf and bark samples, respectively, were: Pb, 203±70, 282±120; Cu, 19.5±4.2, 12.7±2.6; Zn, 42.7±12.9, 42.8±13.1; Ni, 30.0±11.1, 20.0±9.9; Fe, 869±348, 504±118; and Mn, 108±18, 73.7±13.8. The high-pollution automobile parking lots showed higher levels of these elements (p < 0.05). The correlation coefficient between element pairs of high and low-pollution automobile parking lots was carried out to determine the extent of relationship between the elements investigated.

KEY WORDS: Atmospheric pollution, Trace elements analysis, Tree bark, Tree leaves

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2003, 17(1), 11-17.