Among the heavy metals (HMs) whose concentrations in natural environments have risen considerably in the last era, chromium (Cr) is one of the most toxic. Because of the risks it poses to human and environmental health, it is of great importance to screen the variation in Cr contamination in the atmosphere and decrease the pollution. This study aimed to determine the proper tree species that can be used to monitor and reduce Cr contamination. For this aim, studies were conducted on Tilia tomentosa, Robinia pseudoacacia, Cedrus atlantica, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Fraxinus excelsior species growing in Düzce, which is among the 5 most contaminated European towns according to the World Air Pollution report. Samples taken from these trees were examined, and changes in Cr concentration depending on species, organs, compass direction, and age range in the last 60 years were evaluated. Results indicated higher Cr pollution in recent years, consistent with higher traffic density, but that there was no consistent effect of compass direction. It was also determined that the tree species most appropriate for screening the variation in Cr contamination in the airborne were Tilia tomentosa, and the most appropriate species for decreasing pollution were Robinia pseudoacacia and Cedrus atlantica.

Air pollution, particularly heavy metal contamination, has emerged as a critical global issue, posing significant human and environmental health risks over the past century. Strontium (Sr), a highly hazardous heavy metal, even at small concentrations, is classified as a priority contaminant by international organizations due to its potential adverse effects. This study aimed to specify the most appropriate plant species for observing and mitigating Sr contamination. Samples were collected from Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), Tilia tomentosa (Silver linden), and Fraxinus excelsior (European ash or common ash) growing in Düzce, Türkiye, one of the five most unclean towns in European countries according to the 2021 World Air Pollution Report. Variations in Sr concentrations over the past 60 years were analyzed based on tree species, tree organs, direction, and age group. The findings reveal that these species are unsuitable as biomonitors for tracking Sr pollution trends. However, all three species demonstrated the ability to accumulate significant levels of Sr in their wood, making them viable candidates for phytoremediation efforts. Among the species studied, European ash trees were the most effective in reducing Sr contamination, with the highest Sr accumulation in wood (11.36 mg/kg).

Climate change poses a serious threat to biodiversity, particularly for woody species with limited dispersal capacity such as Prunus avium L. (wild cherry). In this study, we assessed potential shifts in its suitable distribution range (SDR) across Türkiye by applying an ensemble modeling framework that combined Generalized Additive Models (GAM), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), and Random Forest (RF). We used updated occurrence data (including GBIF and EUFORGEN records) and 11 ecologically relevant bioclimatic variables under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. Model performance was validated using AUC (Area Under the ROC Curve) and TSS (True Skill Statistic) metrics. Results suggest that while 60–70% of current SDRs remain stable by 2100, approximately 10% may be lost, with 20–23% new expansions. Temperature seasonality (Bio4) and seasonal precipitation (Bio15) were consistently identified as dominant predictors across models. Notably, newly suitable habitats are expected to be spatially isolated, limiting natural colonization. Our findings highlight the necessity of proactive conservation planning, including assisted migration and drought-resistant genotype selection, to ensure long-term persistence of wild cherry under changing climates. These results offer actionable insights for adaptive forest management and biodiversity conservation in Mediterranean-type ecosystems.

In this study, the variation in chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in peppers, tomatoes, corn, eggplants, and cucumbers grown adjacent to the industrial area in Düzce, one of Europe’s most polluted cities and known for its high levels of potential toxic element (PTE) pollution, was determined based on species and organ. In addition, the concentrations of these elements in the soil were determined, and the translocation factor (TF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) in the plant organs were calculated. The study found that Cr pollution, in particular, was well above threshold values in the region and accumulated to high concentrations in all plant organs, including fruits. The study found that soil Cr concentrations were well above the limit values set by international organizations. Cd concentrations in fruits ranged from 0.22 mg/kg to 0.33 mg/kg. Based on these results, Cd concentrations in all species exceed the limit values set by international standards by more than twice. The Cr concentration determined in fruits in the study ranged from 178.47 mg/kg to 579.80 mg/kg. According to these values, the Cr concentration determined in fruits is hundreds of times higher than the limit value in all species. TF values were high for Cd in tomato fruits and Cr in pepper and cucumber fruits. In contrast, TF values for both Cd and Cr were very low in corn fruits. Based on these results, cultivating crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers should be avoided in the region, and corn should be emphasized. Thus, the rate of Cr and Cd entering the human body through the food chain can be reduced.

Climate change poses significant threats to Mediterranean plant species, including Laurus nobilis L., an ecologically and economically important tree. This study evaluates potential shifts in its suitable distribution areas across Türkiye under future climate scenarios [Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 2-4.5 (SSP2-4.5) and 5-8.5 (SSP5-8.5)] using an ensemble species distribution model incorporating ten algorithms. Key environmental drivers—elevation, annual mean temperature (Bio1), and evaporation including sublimation and transpiration (evspsbl)—were identified as critical factors influencing habitat suitability. Results indicate substantial spatial redistributions, with habitat losses projected in inland transition zones toward continental climates, particularly in parts of the Aegean and Black Sea regions. The current suitable distribution area across the country, approximately 18.48%, could rise to 18.55% by 2040 under the SSP2-4.5 scenario and to 18.76% by 2060 under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. However, without human intervention, the species’ establishment in these new suitable distribution areas is not considered possible. Moreover, it has been determined that the suitable distribution area of the species could decrease to 17.48% by 2060 under the SSP2-4.5 scenario and to 17.31% by 2080 under the SSP5-85 scenario. This result indicates that there could be a loss of more than 8% of the suitable distribution area between 2060 and 2080, according to the SSP5-8.5 scenario. Conversely, limited expansions may occur in specific areas, including the northern Aegean and the Hatay-Antep region. By 2100, despite periodic fluctuations, a net decline in suitable habitats is expected under both scenarios. Notably, spatial analysis reveals that while some newly suitable areas may emerge, natural migration will likely be insufficient for population persistence, necessitating human-assisted adaptation strategies. These findings underscore the need for proactive conservation measures, such as identifying climate-resilient provenances, assisted migration, and targeted reforestation in future suitable zones. Given that most Turkish forests are state-managed, collaboration with the General Directorate of Forestry is essential to integrate climate adaptation into long-term management plans. This study provides a framework for mitigating climate-induced habitat loss in L. nobilis while offering insights applicable to other vulnerable Mediterranean species facing similar threats.