Heavy metal content of plant species along Nilufer stream in industrialized Bursa City, Turkey

In this study, heavy metal content (Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn) was determined in sediments and different organs of Rumex obtusifolius L. and Polygonum lapathifolium L. (Polygonaceae), Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) and Xanthium strumarium L. (Asteraceae) species. These species grow ubiquitously and vigorously on the periodic flooding areas of Nilufer stream which have been polluted by different local industrial activities. Below and above-ground parts of plant samples and their sediments were analyzed by ICP-MS for their elemental contents. In general, the variations in the heavy metal content in sediments are reflected in heavy metal status of plant organs. However, this variation depends on plant species and heavy metals. R. obtusifolius, U. dioica and X. strumarium species have elevated levels of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn whereas Mn was observed only in P. lapathifolium. The contribution of different organs to the accumulation capacity of the total phytomass is specific to species.