The Usability of Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arnold.) in Monitoring The Changes in Silver, Selenium, Antimony, and Thallium Concentrations in The Air and in Reducing Pollution

Abstract

In this study, the usability of Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arnold.) in both monitoring the changes in the concentrations of silver, selenium, antimony, and thallium (Ag, Se, Sb, and Tl), which are highly harmful to human health and environment as well as the ecosystem, and in reducing pollution is investigated. These elements, due to their potential hazards, are included in both the EPA's and ATSDR's priority pollutant lists. In the study, annual rings of a Pinus nigra tree, cut in 2023 and identified to be 356 years old through annual ring counting, were grouped into ten-year intervals, and then the changes in these heavy metals throughout the process were tried to be determined by analysing the concentrations of these elements. Additionally, the relationship of these elements with other elements was also identified in the scope of the study. The study results suggested that Pinus nigra was not a suitable bio-monitor for monitoring the changes in Ag, Se, Sb, and Tl concentrations but was a highly suitable species for phytoremediation studies aimed at reducing the pollution of these elements. Moreover, it was determined that the relationships of the studied elements with essential nutrients such as Mg, Ca, P, K, Al, Zn, Ni, Fe were not statistically significant and were very weak, whereas they exhibited positive and very strong relationships with elements known to be highly harmful for health such as V, Pb, and As.