This study aims to investigate the abilities of two tree species (Pinus brutia and
Cupressus sempervirens) planted in Banias Refinery Company to absorb and accumulate
lead and zinc basically emitted by the Refinery. Samples of the planted species (
leaves,
bark, and wood) and soil from around the plants were collected and analyzed by atomic
absorption spectrophotometer. The results did not show significant pollution with these
two elements. Moreover, there were not any significant differences between the two
species in terms of the accumulation of Pb and Zn. While the Pb concentrations ranged
between (24.96-30.84 ppm) for P. brutia and (24.05-30.23 ppm) for C. sempervirens, the
Zn concentrations ranged between (34.99-82.99 ppm) for P. brutia, (18.11-59.86 ppm) for
C. sempervirens. It was also revealed that P. brutia bark accumulated Pb more than the
other parts, whereas C. sempervirens leaves accumulated Zn more than the other parts.
