| Sumario: | Habitat fragmentation allows for vegetative species to be used as indicators of environmental
pollution by heavy metals. Considering the distribution of Prosopis laevigata
(mesquite) and Schinus molle (pepper tree) heavy metal concentrations were determined
as potential indicators of environmental impact assessment for agricultural and livestock,
rural settlement, commercial and service, urban settlement and mining land uses. A total
of 30 sampling points were established during summer, autumn, winter and spring, based
on the presence of the two species. Applying the technique of ICP-MS, concentrations of
Al, As, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ti, V and Zn were determined. With a statistic model the interactions
between species, type of land use and season with respect to the concentration of these
minerals in the leaf material were determined. Results indicated that the presence of heavy
metals is determined by the effect of the species, land use and season, and the possible
association between these. The specie of mesquite was the most efficient for bioaccumulation
of Pb, Co and Al. In the same way, the pepper tree was more efficient with respect to
Ti. On one hand, trees located in the mining land use showed the highest concentrations
of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Co and As. On the other hand, the spring season presented the highest
concentration of Cu, Zn, Co, Ti and V. With that, it could be demonstrated that As, Co, Cd,
Pb, Ti and Zn concentrations were above the normal limit. Therefore, the dynamics and
functionality, environmental factors and physiological differences to develop physicalchemical
processes in the absorption and transport of these elements towards the leaves
are a determining factor of vegetative species placed under conditions of fragmentation,
are good elements for surveying on pollution and environmental impact.
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