Monitoring of concentration of heavy metals in Conocarpus erectus in different areas of industrial city of Abadan

This research was conducted in order to investigate the capability of Conocarpus erectus for accumulation of metal contaminants from overloaded, low traffic areas and areas near the refinery in the city of Abadan (Khouzestan, Iran) at 1395 and 1396. Samples were collected from 9 stations in two stages hot season (spring and summer) and cold season (winter). The concentrations of copper, lead, chromium, cobalt, cadmium and zinc were measured in the leaves of conocarpus tree. The results of the study showed that the concentration of heavy metals in the plants of industrial area was higher than non-industrial areas with a high and low traffic density. Statistical analysis showed that the difference in measured values in industrial areas with traffic and residential areas was significant for copper (p = 0.0001), lead (p = 0.01), cobalt (p = 0.01), cadmium (P = 0.0002) and zinc (p = 0.0003), and only chromium did not show significant difference (p = 0.1). Analysis of results for time effect also showed that only lead parameter was influenced by season (p = 0.009). Considering the results of the research, it can be concluded that in the industrial areas, heavy metals pollution is in a relatively high level and Conocarpus is a dependable biomonitor for air pollution investigations.