Evaluation of the heavy metal content of Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar orientalis Mill.) distributed in Mugla province

Abstract

This study, it was aimed to investigate the nutritional status and heavy metal contents of Liquidambar orientalis Mill., an endemic species naturally distributed in Marmaris, Koycegiz, and Fethiye districts of Mugla province. When the soil heavy metal contents are examined, it has been determined that the Cr and Ni values are quite high in the Koycegiz and Marmaris samples. Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb contents in the leaves, respectively; it was determined to be in the range of 0.04-0.09 ppm, 0.4-1.80 ppm, 2.85-6.87 ppm, 9.28-40.49 ppm and 0.52-2.15 ppm. Although some heavy metals were found to be above the limit values, no physical evidence was found that the plants in the study were adversely affected by these high values metabolically.