LAUSR

The aim of the study was to compare accumulation capacity of selected biogenic and toxic metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Zn) in the leaves of 3 tree species (Alnus glutinosa, Salix sp., and Sambucus nigra) from 5 locations in the Malé Karpaty Mountains in the Slovak Republic near Trniansky, Stoličný, and Gidra streams. These observed locations (with accentuation to upper flows of mentioned streams) are characterized by mainly high occurrences of arsenic and antimony as a result of geological bedding and abandoned Sb mining deposits in the Pezinok area. Obtained results confirmed that each tree species in view varied in accumulation capacity for individual metals. While Salix sp. indicated in the leaves high levels of As, Cd, and Zn, Sambucus nigra accumulated from all spotted trees in the highest amounts mainly lead and antimony. The lowest cadmium accumulation was confirmed for Alnus glutinosa. Regression analysis confirmed significantly positive correlations between Pb–Cu (p<0.001), Cd–Cu (p<0.01), and Pb−Cd (p<0.01) concentrations in Alnus glutinosa leaves. However, for Sambucus nigra there was significantly positive correlation confirmed between As–Sb (p < 0.001).