Uptake and distribution of Cu, Pb, and Zn in Tilia tomentosa Moench: Plant tissue and urban soil interactions

This study analyzed Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in roots and leaves of Tilia tomentosa Moench. and associated soil (at 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm) at Bulevar Nikola Tesla (BNT) and Park Usce (PU) (Belgrade, Serbia), with Fruska Gora Mt. serving as the control. To evaluate its phytoremediation potential, the bioconcentration ( \mathrm{BCF}_{root} and \mathrm{BCF}_{leaf} ) and translocation factors (TF) were calculated. Site-dependent variations were observed for all analyzed parameters, especially at BNT at both depths, with Pb and Zn concentrations greater than 200 mg/kg. Leaf Pb concentrations indicated insignificant soil-leaf transfer. Photosynthetic efficiency measurements in T. tomentosa showed similar mean values within the optimum range for plants at all sites ( F_v/F_m > 0.800 ). This indicates high overall vitality in urban habitats with elevated concentrations of potentially toxic elements, as shown by the absence of statistically significant differences in mean chlorophyll fluorescence values between sites. There was a positive correlation between Cu and Zn levels and F_v/F_m in leaves from all analyzed sites. Thus, the species appears well-adapted to the uptake and accumulation of elements that are vital for optimal photosynthesis and other physiological processes, while photosynthetic efficiency is not significantly impacted by their occasional deficiency.