The effect of altitude on accumulation of heavy metals in Vaccinium myrtillus organs in the Low Tatra mountains (from the Veľká Chochuľa mountain to the Prašivá mountain)
Abstract
Bilberry samples were collected in the Low Tatras (the Carpathian mountain range) for analysis of heavy metals in roots, stems and leaves. We focused on heavy metal concentrations, which indicate pollution in alpine environments. Collection of samples was performed in two transects to compare samples from different altitudes. Each transect was divided into two parts based on the collection area. We have hypothesized that pollution in bilberries has contributed to the decline in marmot population in the area. Therefore, we decided to verify the presence of pollution in bilberries, which could also be related to escalating precipitation at higher altitudes. We found significant differences between accumulation of some elements in different plant organs as well as between the eastern and western parts of the mountain ridge. Elevation had a significant effect on the accumulation of several elements in bilberries.
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