Urban deciduous tree leaves as biomonitors of trace element (AS, V and Cd) atmospheric pollution in Belgrade, Serbia

Leaves of common deciduous trees: horse chestnut (Aesculus hippo- castanum) and linden (Tilia spp.) from three parks within the urban area of Belgrade were studied as biomonitors of trace element (As, V, and Cd) atmo- spheric pollution. The May-September trace element accumulation in the leaves, and their temporal trends, were assayed in a multi-year period (2002- -2006). Significant accumulation in the leaves was evident for As and V, but not so regularly for Cd. Slightly decreasing temporal trends of V and As ac- cumulated in the leaf tissues were observed over the years. During the time span, the concentrations of Cd remained approximately on the same level, ex- cept in May 2002 and September 2005, when a rapid increase was observed. The May-September accumulations of As and V were higher in horse chestnut than in linden, although both may be used as biomonitors for these elements, and optionally for Cd in conditions of its high atmospheric loadings.