Ecological role of Ulmus pumila L. in limitation of heavy metals input into the environment of some anthropogenic areas of Trans-Baikal Territory

Abstract

The paper deals with the most negative pollution of the environment - heavy metal pollution. We describe the main sources of heavy metal input to soils, their form and character of distribution on the surface of land. The paper presents the research data on study of plants capacity to accumulate different microelements including heavy metals. We study the Trans-Baikal Territory as the oldest mining territory which has been influenced by different anthropogenic factors. The urgency of this study is determined by the fact that it is important to reveal species capable of accumulating heavy metals in their organs and tissues for the purpose of improving and supporting the ecological balance of anthropogenic territories. We describe Siberian elm ( Ulmus pumila L.), a tree species often used in urban lands greening. The research findings on determination of content and characteristic features of some heavy metals accumulation in Ulmus pumila L. organs (leaves, roots, bark) in anthropogenic conditions are discussed. We analyze the data on accumulation of heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Sr, Rb, Ti) in soil of test sites and the studied organs of Ulmus pumila L. It has been determined that Ulmus pumila L. accumulates all heavy metals studied in different quantities, accumulating their high concentrations mainly in the root and bark. This species accumulates Fe, Sr, Mn, Ti, Zn most of all, it accumulates less quantities of Rb, Cu, Cr и Ni. Excessive accumulation of heavy metals by the studied species is associated with its location. Thus, we have determined the possible use of Ulmus pumila L. as a natural biofilter limiting the input of heavy metals into the anthropogenic territories environment.