Ecological and Geochemical Assessment of the Urban Environment in the Ufa City Based on the Study of Poplar Leaves (Populus balsamifera L.)

Assessing the ecological and geochemical state of urban areas is important for ensuring their sustainable development, maintaining public health, and protecting the natural environment. In this article, the ecological and geochemical features of the Ufa city were studied by investigating the elemental composition of poplar leaves ( Populus balsamifera L.) using instrumental neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mapping (spatial distribution of geochemical indicators and concentrations of key chemical elements). The main pollutants (As, Br, Cr, Zn, Co, La, Ce, Nd, and Ta) from oil refining, heat power engineering, and machine building industry were identified. Depending on the source of anthropogenic activity, various micro-mineral phases on the surface of poplar leaves were found: rare earth phosphates associated with oil refining and petrochemical industry, native metals (W, Ti) resulting from machine building, and intermetallic compounds linked to the areas with heavy traffic (Cr-Ni, Ni-Cr-Fe).