Abstract

ALCALA, Jorge et al. Fe, Mn and Mg concentration in leaf material of five tree species related to environmental pollution in the urban area of the city of Chihuahua, Mexico. Multequina [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.1, pp.37-51. ISSN 1852-7329.

The green structure in the cities allows us to make leaf elemental analyses which allow us to relate its mineral content with the urban environmental pollution. The study was developed in the city of Chihuahua to determine the capacity of concentration of Fe, Mn and Mg in five tree species. The leaf material of 75 trees was collected during the autumn, spring and summer seasons. The sampling sites were established according to the use of soil in commercial and services area, mixed industry, heavy industry, low and middle class residential area. The mineral concentration in the leafs was done applying the ICP technique described as optical spectrometry inductively coupled plasma. Interactions between the species, site of land use and season were tested with a General Linear analysis with respect to concentrations of each element. The most relevant results show that the cypress (Cupressus arizonica) maintained in autumn and spring the highest Fe concentrations averaging, 999 mg kg^-1 and 789.5±117.2 mg kg^-1 respectively. This level surpassed the normal concentration that oscillates from 101 to 200 mg kg^-1. With respect to Mn, the autumn season concentrated the highest quantity with 89.45±7.5 mg kg^-1 and the sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) concentrated the highest quantity with 94.14±9.7 mg kg^-1 surpassing the normal limits of concentration that oscillates in 26 to 60 mg kg^-1. This article provides information to be considered in the strategies of mitigation of the environmental problem of the city of Chihuahua.

Keywords : Environmental quality; Urban tree vegetation; Urban development; Pollution; Soil use.

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