A study of soil pollution by heavy metals in the city of Poznań [Poland] using dandelion [Taraxacum officinale Web.] as a bioindicator

Monitoring the pollution status of the environment by using plants is one of the main topics of environmental biogeochemistry. The bioavailability and mobility of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Ni) in urban soil of Poznań (Poland) were assessed on the basis of upper parts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale WEB) and soil samples collected in May and July 1998. Sampling points were located along 2 roads crossing the town along West-East and North-South directions. All soils were characterized by a negligible share of clay particles, high content of organic carbon (about 1.5 g kg-1) and pH above 7.0.