HEAVY METAL ACCUMULATION IN BIOINDICATORS OF POLLUTION IN URBAN AREAS OF NORTHEASTERN POLAND

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to assess the contamination of the environment within the city of Olsztyn (northeastern Poland) by determining the level of lead, cadmium and zinc in Scots pine ( Pinus silvestris L.) needles, the roots and leaves of broadleaf plantain ( Plantago major L.), and the caps of fly agaric mushrooms ( Amanita muscaria ). The to-tal content of: Zn, Pb, and Cd was assessed by means of the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) method. Plant samples for analysis were taken one month prior to the beginning of the heating season at ten different locations, including along busy transportation routes and residential neighborhoods. Significant differences in the content of cadmium, lead and zinc were found based on the place from which samples were collected as well as the plant spe-cies. The highest concentrations of cadmium, lead and zinc were noted in broadleaf plantain leaves, broadleaf plantain roots and fly agaric mushrooms, respectively, near a large subdivision of single-family houses. Low heavy metal con-tents in plants were noted in the City Forest, which is located far from sources of contamination. A significant correlation was confirmed between the amount of Pb in the leaves and roots of broadleaf plantain, whereas the correlation between the content of this element in the cap of the fly agaric mush-room and leaves as well as roots of broadleaf plantain was found to be high.