Ziziphus spina-christi as a bioindicator of heavy metals (Cu, Cd) in Baghdad, Iraq
Paper Details
Ziziphus spina-christi as a bioindicator of heavy metals (Cu, Cd) in Baghdad, Iraq
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution is considered one of the major environmental problems associated with urbanization, traffic emissions, and industrial activities. This study evaluated the potential of Ziziphus spina-christi as a bioindicator of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) pollution in Baghdad, Iraq. Leaf samples were collected from four urban regions including Al-Qahira, Al-Karrada, Al-Dura, and Al-Kadhimiya, in addition to a control (blank) sample. The collected samples were digested using nitric acid and analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrometer to determine heavy metal concentrations. The results showed clear variation in heavy metal accumulation among the studied regions. Copper concentrations were highest in Al-Qahira and Al-Dura (0.06), followed by Al-Karrada (-0.02), while the lowest concentration was recorded in Al-Kadhimiya (-0.05) compared with the control sample (-0.03). Cadmium concentrations were highest in Al-Kadhimiya (-0.02) and Al-Dura (-0.03), whereas lower concentrations were observed in Al-Qahira (-0.13) and Al-Karrada (-0.14) relative to the blank sample (-0.15). The elevated concentrations recorded in densely populated and traffic-heavy areas indicate the influence of anthropogenic activities on environmental contamination. The findings demonstrate that Ziziphus spina-christi effectively accumulates heavy metals within its tissues and can serve as a reliable bioindicator of urban environmental pollution. The plant also shows promising potential for phytoremediation applications due to its tolerance to polluted conditions. Therefore, Ziziphus spina-christi may be considered an environmentally friendly and cost-effective tool for monitoring and managing heavy metal pollution in Baghdad, Iraq.
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Israa Radhi Khudhair*, 2026. Ziziphus spina-christi as a bioindicator of heavy metals (Cu, Cd) in Baghdad, Iraq. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(5), 45-49.
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