The use of cypress tree bark as an environmental indicator of heavy metals deposition in Fuheis City, Jordan

The present study focused on the use of cypress tree bark as an environmental indicator of heavy metal deposition in Fuheis City, Jordan, and the evaluation of the impact of emissions from the cement industry in the adjacent environment. Tree bark samples were collected from four directions (north, south, east and west) in the vicinity of the cement factory. The samples were analysed for heavy metal content: Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, and Fe. The results showed variations in heavy metal concentrations between sites. The levels of heavy metal were divided into three groups: mean concentrations of Co and Cd ranged from 1 to 4 mg/kg; Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr ranged from 9 to 109 mg/kg; and finally, Fe ranged from 2238 to 3393 mg/kg.