Determination of heavy metal pollution in grass and soil of city centre green areas (Konya, Turkey)

This is research was conducted to determine levels of heavy metal pollution in the years 2003-04. In this research, samples of grass and soil taken from green areas in 8 different areas of Konya city centre were used as material. The samples were obtained from factory gardens, areas experiencing heavy traffic and residential areas. The changes in analysis results of heavy metal levels (Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, V, Cd and Ni) in the samples were discussed for sampling years and sampling places in both grass and soil samples. The results of the study showed that heavy metal contents in both soil and grass samples were higher in 2004 than in 2003. In this study, some heavy metal content in the samples obtained in areas with heavy traffic and in factory garden areas was over the limit levels (5.67 ppm for Pb in soil and 10.69, 27.51 and 0.19 ppm for Cu, Cr and Cd in grass, respectively) and represents a risk for humans.