The organ level atmospheric element signatures of native Pistacia atlantica in semi-arid forests linked to the Ilam Gas Refinery, Iran

Abstract

Aims The Ilam Gas Refinery (IGR) emitting atmospheric trace elements affect soils and Baneh trees (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) of semi-arid Zagros forests. Therefore, the seasonal concentrations of Pb, As, Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, Ni, and S were analyzed in soils, barks, and leaves of trees located at various distances (1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 10,000 m (control) from the refinery.

Methods The seasonal changes, source distance, soil physicochemical properties (i.e., pH, electrolyte conductivity (EC), and texture), and organ-level atmospheric element deposition were detected in the study.

Results The season x distance effects on the soils, barks, and leaves revealed that the summer and autumn seasons and distances up to 2500 m from the IGR had higher element concentrations than spring and control distance. The total element trends were in decreasing order; soil > leaf > bark. High pollution was defined as soils with a pollution load index (PLI) of 5.3, with sulfur having the highest concentration. Leaves and barks with metal accumulation index (MAI) of 12.51 and 11.18, enriched by elements in particular with S and Cu.

Conclusions The Baneh trees might be ideal for atmospheric element remediation and be employed among practical techniques for reducing IGR pollution in Zagros forests. In addition, since the organisms that feed on these trees might be a hub for pollution dispersion across the food web, it is recommended that pollutant levels in the aerial organs and soils in the region be monitored regularly.