Bromine absorption from air by plant leaves

Trace elements present in the leaves of ''Populus'' grown in the city of Athens are determined by XRF, and compared with leaves of trees grown far from the city. The results of this work show a manyfold increase in the bromine content of the leaves in trees grown in the city. The increased presence of this element is attributed entirely to the increase of the bromine content in the air of the city, due to car exhaust, from which the leaves uptake this element. The implication to public health of this finding is discussed. (author)