Determination of heavy metals in wooden trees and ash residues in Kosovo

Abstract

In this study, we examined the content of Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Ni in fresh wooden trees and ash wood residues. The material of analysis was sampled in four different zones in Kosovo. Initially, the samples of wood were grinded and dried in room temperature, and then they were treated with HNO3 and H2O2. The content of heavy metals was determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique. The following results show that we have higher concentrations of some elements such as Cu, Zn and Ni, in the ash residues more than the Environmental Protection Agency standard (EPA Ecological Soil Screening Level) predicts for these elements to be as wastes in the soil. In order to preserve our health and environment, we must be cautious towards the amount of waste we dispose in the ground, for the reason that they straightforwardly end up in our food chain.