Screening for accumulator plants in turquoise mine, Nyshabour (Iran)

Heavy metal pollution is a worldwide problem. This study was conducted in a turquoise mine in Nyshabour (Iran) to find accumulator plant(s). Concentrations of metals were determined both in the soil and the plants growing in the mine. Concentrations of total K, Ca, Na, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu in the mine area were higher than the control soil. The results showed that four dominant vegetations namely Vincetoxicum scandens Sommier et Levier., Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl., Phlomis anisodonta Boiss. and Onosma bulbotrichum Dc.prod accumulated heavy metals. Based on the results, it was concluded that Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. is the best accumulator for Fe, but the best Cu accumulator is Onosma bulbotrichum Dc.prod.