DefinePK

Abstract

We studied the sorption properties of tree foliage samples growing in urban anthropogenic landscapes in relation to petroleum products. As sorption material we chose leaf litter of apple-tree (Lat. Malus), birch (Lat. Bitula), oak (Lat. Quircus), and aspen (Lat. Populustremula). The physical and chemical characteristics (moisture, ash content, and bulk density) of the fallen leaves samples were determined. Atomic-emission determination of the content of various elements in acetate-ammonium extracts of selected leaf samples was carried out to evaluate the safety of their use as sorption material. The leaves of an apple tree growing along a busy highway were chosen as an object for evaluation of metal accumulation capacity, and samples of leaves were taken in spring and autumn periods. To assess the background content of elements, samples of apple-tree leaves were also taken away from anthropogenic sources of impact. It was found that the content of heavy metal ions in the leaves of apple-tree under intensive anthropogenic load does not exceed the established standard requirements, respectively; the material in question can be used as a sorbent for purification of water environments from various pollutants. Experiments on purification of model solutions containing oil products were carried out under static and dynamic conditions. It was found that all the leaf samples under consideration possess sorption properties towards oil products to a different degree: the minimum adsorption capacity of aspen leaves - 0.42 mg/g under static and 0.17 mg/g under dynamic conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity of oak leaves - 0.73 and 0.28 mg/g respectively.