Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification from Soil to Nettle-Snail and Extension Heavy Metal Pollution of Mining Activity “Ferronikel” in Drenas

In this research project, we measured the impact of the activity of “Ferronikel” factory on the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Ni) in soil, plant ( Urtica dioica L.) and shell of snail ( Helix pomatia L.) in the locality of Drenas. Large quantities of these metals come from natural and anthropogenic sources including mining activ - ity, agriculture, pesticide use, industrialization, and inadequate disposal of mineral waste and artificial fertilizers. These inorganic pollutants are deposited in the soil, water, and atmosphere in various forms of complexes and are thus transmitted from plants, animals to humans. Climatic factors such as winds, rains, and temperatures are believed to be major contributors to the spread over time and space of heavy metals in the environment. Soil samples, nettle plant and snail, were collected from the selected pollution source of factory “Ferronikel” at distances of 1 km, 2 km, and 5 km in the radius circles divided into four geographical areas. The samples were digested in microwave at 200 °C for 45 min and have been read in two types of absorbers Thermo and Contra AAA. Higher concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Ni were recorded in the southern parts of the country compared to that control with significant differences (p<0.01). Bioaccumulation and biomagnification levels of these heavy metals have also been recorded in the roots, stalks, and leaves of the stinging nettle plant as well as in snail shells. The results show that the stinging nettle plant has translocated larger amounts of these heavy metals especially Pb along with the vegetative organs wherefrom these they are carried in the snail shell, which is fed on the stinging nettle plant. Also, results shown that the nettle plant Urtica dioica can be used in phytoremediation process whereas snail Helix pomatia can be used like bioindicator of heavy metal pollution.