Heavy metals content and biochemical indicators in birch leaves from polluted and clean areas

There were conducted studies concerning accumulation of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb) in Betula pendula Roth. leaves, in surface soil within cities of Silesian and Ma³opolska District. Additionally, there was studied guaiacol peroxidase activity and content of -SH groups. Concentrations of heavy metals in birch leaves in most cases did not exceed permissible values. There was noticed an increased Zn content (above 100 mg/kg d.m.) in Betula pendula Roth. leaves on the all studied stands of Silesia. Accumulation of Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb in soils of the Silesian cities often exceeded the permissible level. The conducted studies showed that there is a positive correlation between Zn accumulation in white birch leaves and its accumulation in surface soil. There were not noticed significant differences in content of non-protein -SH groups and guaiacol peroxidase activity in Betula pendula ROTH. leaves coming from Silesia and Ma³opolska District.