The pollution effect of Kermanshah petrochemical industry on some growth and physiological characteristics of Pinus eldarica Medw. and Cupressus sempervirens L.

Natural and artificial forests absorb air pollutants and reduce pollution in addition to wood production. This study investigated the role of Polchahr forestation region in Kermanshah was investigated in reducing pollution due to petrochemical industry and also the effect of zinc and chromium on physiological characteristics and growth of Pinus eldarica Medw. and Cupressus Sempervirens L. The plantation area in Petrochemicals factory (infected site) and a plantation area around Petrochemicals (control site) were designated for the study. Results showed that the concentration of the two elements in roots and stems of both species in the infected site were significantly higher than the control site. Also in the area infested with the two elements, the shoot and root lengths of Pinus eldarica Medw. species decreased significantly compared to the control area while in Cupressus sempervirens L. only root length in the contaminated area was significantly difference from the control areas. Moreover, results showed that in the infected area, total chlorophyll, and proline and sugar contents in the leaves of the Pinus eldarica Medw. and Cupressus sempervirens L. species were significantly different compared to the disinfected area. In general, reduction in the pollution with zinc and chromium was more in Pinus eldarica Medw. than in Cupressus sempervirens