Title: The use of cypress tree bark as an environmental indicator of heavy metals deposition in Fuheis City, Jordan

Authors: Mufeed Batarseh, Anf Ziadat, Mu'taz Al-Alawi, Bruce Berdanier, Anwar Jiries

Addresses: Water and Environment Research Center, Mutah University, P.O. Box 3, Karak 61710, Jordan. ' Mutah University, P.O. Box 67, Karak 61710, Jordan. ' Mutah University, P.O. Box 3, Karak 61710, Jordan. ' Department of Civil Engineering, Ohio Northern University, 525 South Main Street, Ada, Ohio, USA 45810. ' Faculty of Science, Mutah University, P.O. Box 2, Karak 61710, Jordan

Abstract: The present study focused on the use of cypress tree bark as an environmental indicator of heavy metal deposition in Fuheis City, Jordan, and the evaluation of the impact of emissions from the cement industry in the adjacent environment. Tree bark samples were collected from four directions (north, south, east and west) in the vicinity of the cement factory. The samples were analysed for heavy metal content: Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, and Fe. The results showed variations in heavy metal concentrations between sites. The levels of heavy metal were divided into three groups: mean concentrations of Co and Cd ranged from 1 to 4 mg/kg; Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr ranged from 9 to 109 mg/kg; and finally, Fe ranged from 2238 to 3393 mg/kg.

Keywords: bioindicators; cement industry; emissions; heavy metals; Jordan; cypress tree bark; environmental pollution; air pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.019394

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.33 No.2/3, pp.207 - 217

Published online: 11 Jul 2008 *

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