Evaluation of Heavy Metal Accumulations in Plant Organs and Soil White Birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.) Plantation

In order to determine the heavy metal amounts of white birch afforestation, cobalt (Co), chrome (Cr), arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) concentrations were calculated within the scope of this study. And it is seen that heavy metal concentrations in soil and plant tissues varied. The highest concentration of heavy metals in soil was discovered in Mn, while the lowest concentration was observed in Cd. Heavy metal concentrations follow this order of Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Co > Pb > As > Cd in soil. Simultaneously, soil pollution was assessed, and no significant amount of pollution was discovered in the research area's soil. PI values varied between 0.41 and 2.15. The PLI value was determined as 1.46. The average concentrations in plant parts were branch > bark > leaf, with Mn having the greatest concentration in the branch part. In comparison to plant parts, bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were found in Cd at the highest bark layer. Cd > Pb > Zn > As > Ni > Mn > Cr > Co order was followed according to the mean BAF values. It is believed that using White birch barks as a biomonitoring tool may be useful, particularly in monitoring increases in Cd concentrations in urban settings. Additionally, to maximize heavy metal retention, it is advised to use hyperaccumulator plant combinations according to local climatic conditions.