Comparative evaluation of potentially toxic element content in <i>Hedera helix</i> L. from Türkiye on walls and pine trees using pollution indices

In this study, the 15 elements in branches and leaves of Hedera Helix L. wrapped around the wall and a pine tree were determined separately by ICP MS. The Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and translocation factor (TF) were used for assessing potentially toxic element (PTE) pollution. Method validation showed excellent linearity (R2: 0.9986–0.9998) with low LOD (0.003–0.033) and LOQ (0.011–0.101 mg/kg). Element concentrations ranged from 0.47 to 39,907 mg/kg in soil, and 0.10 to 222.98 mg/kg in plant organs. According to the t-test, the presence of ivy on the wall and pine caused a significant difference in Sb, Fe, Mn, Ni, and V. When the branch and leaf parts of the wall ivy were examined, there were no significant differences for Co, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ba (p > 0.05). For Cd and Mo, 2 < Igeo ≤ 3, moderately to strongly contaminated, and PI > 3, a high degree of pollution/element enrichment was found. In this study, it is thought that the branch part of the wall ivy (BCF: 5.5) and the leaf part of the ivy wrapped around the pine tree (BCF: ≈2) will be bioaccumulators, especially for Zn metal. However, wall ivy leaves were found not to be bioaccumulators of Zn. The findings of this study are expected to contribute significantly to research on the mechanisms of action, toxicity, and pharmacological activities of Hedera Helix L. This approach innovatively employs a single bioindicator across different surfaces for efficient, micro-environmental pollution screening.