Instrumental neutron activation analysis of plant tissues and soils for biomonitoring in urban areas in Istanbul

The aim of this study was to determine the elemental concentrations of plant tissues and soils collected in Istanbul to evaluate the possible use of selected tree species, Carpinus betulus L., Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl., Tilia argentea Desf. ex DC., as biomonitors. The concentrations of 26 elements were determined by k 0-INAA using Kayzero for Windows software. Generally, the element concentrations in samples from urban areas were found to be higher than those of control area. Tilia argentea Desf. ex DC. may be an effective biomonitor for As, Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, Hf, K, Sb, Sc, Sr, and Th.