Concentration, Distribution and Comparison of Total and Bioavailable Metals in Top Soils and Plants Accumulation in Zanjan Zinc Industrial Town-Iran

Heavy metal contamination of metal-mined soils is a widespread problem in parts of Zanjan province. The province located in North West of Iran is highly polluted by heavy metals due to the presence, improper utilization of its mineral resources notably Lead and Zinc, and also the development of a number of related industries. Soils are basically polluted by Pb, Zn and Cd and their concentrations in top soils are very high exceeding European and USEPA standards. The main objective of this study is to evaluate heavy metals concentration and bioavailable fractions of heavy metals and accumulation of such toxic metals in native plants growing naturally on the polluted sites. The information obtained from this study is of great value to obtain bioavailability of the toxic metals and their potential harmful effects for plants, animals and humans.