Determination of heavy metal pollution at Mevlana Park (Konya-Turkey) by analysis of soil, grass and cedar tree needles

In this study, soil, grass (mostly Lolium sp.) and cedar tree (Cedrus libani) needles were used for determination of heavy metal pollution level at Mevlana Park in Konya city centre. Heavy metal levels i.e., Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, V, Cd, Ni and As were investigated in all the samples of soil, grass and tree needles during 2003 and 2004 years. According to the results of this study, there were statistically significant differences for heavy metals contents in the cedar tree needles between the years 2003 and 2004 except, Cd and As. Similarly, measurement for heavy metals contents in the samples of grass and soil collected in 2003-2004 years were also statistically significant different except Cr and Ni. Some of the metals as Pb, Cu, Cr, V and Cd were over the limits values, but Zn, Co, Ni and As were not over the critical levels. Only Cu content was higher in the soil samples, on the other hand, Cu, Cr and Cd content in the grass samples and Pb, V and Cd content in the cedar tree leaves were higher than critical levels for human health.