EN
In this study, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
(PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminations
in the leaf, stem and root tissues of common mallow
(Malva sylvestris L.) were investigated by using gas
chromatography to give an insight into the bioaccumulation
of these persistent pollutants. The sampling stations
are located in the Dilovası and İzmit Districts of Kocaeli
Province in Turkey. Total PAH concentrations varied
between 10.44 and 61.15 pg g-1 dw (dry weight). The most
dominant PAH congeners were Acenaphthene and
Acenaphthylene which are low molecular weight. Total
PCB concentrations were found to be between 326.79 and
4496.42 pg g-1 dw. PCB 66, PCB 110, PCB 153 and PCB 180
were found to be the most dominant congeners. Detected
concentrations in root tissues showed the plant’s ability in
accumulating these pollutants. Therefore, these findings
suggest that Malva sylvestris can reflect the contamination
levels which might be used to monitor soil and ecological
pollution levels caused by these persistent pollutants.