Response of two pine species (Pinus nigra and P. eldarica) around copper complex of Sarcheshmeh in heavy metals assimilation and some structural characteristics of leaf

Soil pollution caused by heavy metals, is one of the environmental problems nowadays. Identification of the plants resident to heavy metals and pollution as a whole is very important, because planting these plants in industrial and polluted areas is caused cleaning up the environment. In this study two species of Pinus near the Sarcheshme copper complex, were examined. The species of Kantuiyeh arboretum were used as control. The content of heavy metals of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in zero and 20 cm soil levels and in different organs of plants, pH amount of soil and leaf structure were analyzed. pH amount was about 7 and 7.6 in polluted and non (less) polluted areas respectively. pH of surface (0) in non polluted area was lower compared with 20 cm depth while there was no significant difference between theses two levels in polluted region. The content of all heavy metals increased in polluted area compared with controls significantly. In addition, their amount was higher in surface area than 20 cm depth. Stems and in some cases leaves accumulated heavy metals more than roots, consequently both species are hyperccumulator. Leaves showed structural resistance against pollutants. The low assimilation rate of heavy metals, significant reduction of stomata number and size, increased thickness of epidermis and meshophile as well as resine ducts increase in P. eldarica indicate to its higher resistance than the other. Therefore, P. nigra can be recommended as a pollutants index and P. eldarica as a resistant species.