Determining the plants to be used in monitoring the change in thallium concentrations in the air

Abstract

Background: Thallium (Tl), which is one of the most toxic and destructive heavy metals for human and environmental health, has a higher level of chronic and acute toxicity in comparison to many harmful elements (such as Pb, Hg, Cd, and As) in comparison to many harmful elements and is classified as one of 13 primary metal contaminants by the US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and in ATSDR’s primary pollutant list. Thus, monitoring the Tl pollution in the air and reducing the pollution are among the primary research subjects. The existing study aims to determine the species that are suitable for monitoring and reducing the Tl pollution in Düzce province, Türkiye, which is the fifth-most polluted province in Europe in terms of air pollution. This study analyzed the changes in Tl concentration in the samples (wood, outer and inner bark) taken from species grown in Düzce by species, organ, direction, and age groups in the last 40 years. Results: As an outcome, the uppermost Tl concentrations were found in the outer barks, and it is thought to be caused by air pollution. The outcomes achieved in the existing study revealed that the suitable species to be used in watching the Tl pollution in the air are Cupressus arizonica and Picea orientalis, whereas those to be used in reducing the Tl pollution are Pinus pinaster, Cedrus atlantica, Cupressus arizonica, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Conclusions: Cupressus arizonica is a species that can be effectively used in both monitoring and decreasing Tl pollution.