Plant Leaves as a Biogeochemical Indicator of the Environmental State in Different Regions of Azerbaijan

Abstract

Urban ecosystems in Azerbaijan are increasingly affected by environmental pollution, making the application of biogeochemical methods essential for assessment and monitoring. In this study, leaves of dominant tree and shrub species were collected from six cities representing different functional zones (industrial, transport, residential, and recreational) during the main growing season (August-September). Samples were analyzed for ash content and elemental composition using atomic absorption, atomic emission, and mass spectrometric methods. The findings show that urban plants accumulate Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb at levels exceeding background values, with the highest enrichment observed in industrial and transport zones. Species-specific differences in accumulation capacity were identified, allowing certain plants (e.g., Betula pendula, Acer negundo, Populus spp.) to be recommended as reliable biogeochemical indicators and as suitable material for urban greening.