Abstract
A study was carried out on the level of heavy metals, total coliform and benzo(a)pyrene that may be introduced through by-product fertilizers or air pollution to turfgrass in natural turfgrass playground in elementary schools around the western coast and eastern mountain areas in Jeollabuk-do, Korea. The level of heavy metals found in turfgrass was in the order of Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd. The majority of heavy metals was found in the roots. It is presumed that the absorption of some air pollutants and by-product fertilizers or chemical fertilizers. The level of benzo(a)pyrene showed an average of 0.05ng/g with a range between 0.02 to 0.08ng/g in the leaves. In the meantime, none was detected in the stems, while the average for roots was 0.02ng/g with a range between 0.01 and 0.03ng/g. The level detected is that found background level, however, benzo(a)pyrene can be introduced partly from the unstable combustion of fossil fuel or through vehicle emissions. Total coliform distributed in grass showed an average of 12MPN/100ml with a range between 2 and 36MPN/100ml. The density of total coliform displayed no regional predominance. However, in some urban areas, the density was slightly higher. The feces of pets or by-product fertilizers may have contributed to the input of pathogenic micro-organism. Yet the level was found to be negligible.
