Determination of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Plant Samples by Spectrometric Techniques in Turkey

Abstract

Heavy metals are significant and extremely persistent environmental pollutants and their toxicity is a problem of increasing significance for ecological, nutritional, and environmental reasons. Biomonitoring methods are gaining more importance because they allow for prediction, detection, and control of potential environmental hazards caused by heavy metal pollution. The objective of the present study was to collect and analyze research on heavy metal accumulation in plant samples using spectrometric detection techniques in Turkey published between 2003 and 2013. Five main criteria were predetermined to limit the study and better portray the studies on heavy metal accumulation using plant samples in Turkey. These criteria were as follows: studies aiming to determine heavy metal accumulation levels, studies sampling plant species growing at various localities in Turkey, studies using spectrometric detection techniques, studies published as journal articles, and studies undertaken between 2003 and 2013. Consequently, 47 studies that satisfied all criteria were considered and selected for this investigation. A content analysis method was used for the review and analysis of the selected studies. The results of the review analysis were grouped under three categories and the findings obtained in this scope were presented.