A study of air pollution with heavy metals in Denizli City (Turkey) using olive (Olea europaea L.) as biological monitor

In this study, the level of heavy metal pollution by lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in Denizli City (Turkey) were investigated by use of olive (Olea europaea L.) as biological monitor. Seven sites near main roads were selected in the city of Denizli. Leaves of olive were sampled four times between the dates 10.25.1994 and 07.24.1995 at the distance of 0-4 m and 125-175 m, from the main roads. Present results showed that the concentrations of leads cadmium and zinc on the plants exceeded the and normal levels, and site 4 with heaviest traffic density was the most contaminated with heavy metals. The levels of heavy metals in the leaves of olive decreased with an increase in distance from the road.