Influence of Washing on Metal Concentrations in Leaf Tissue.

The possible effect of washing leaf tissue on metal concentrations was studied in four ornamental plants (Nerium oleander L., Ficus microcarpa L. f., Ligustrum lucidum Ait. f., and Duranta repens L.). Elements determined were aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and vanadium (V). A portion of each studied sample was washed with distilled water, while the remainder of the sample was not washed. Significant differences in metal concentration between washed and unwashed samples were observed in some species. Washing effects differed with species and contaminants. The results are discussed in relation to leaf characteristics and to contaminant chemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]