Foliar heavy metals and stable isotope (?13C, ?15N) profiles as reliable urban pollution biomonitoring tools

• Urban heavy metal pollution is an important health issue. Foliar profiling used to quantified the magnitude of urban contamination. C and N isotopic composition presented as a novel bio-monitoring tool. Monitoring different sources contamination (soil air) are discussed. Optimal sampling time for purposes suggested. Anthropogenic issue in areas, therefore rapid inexpensive monitoring space desirable. This study aimed (i) assess suitability Tilia cordata leaves valuable bioindicator, including seasonal changes concentrations (ii) evaluate use leaf carbon nitrogen isotope ( ? 13 15 N) indicators pollution. Leaves were collected from three intensity locations (Bilbao, Vitoria, Muskiz) Basque Country (northern Spain). Analysis metals related traffic emissions determinations carried out during July-October 2018. Leaf samples Bilbao, most populated traffic-intense location, showed highest concentration (mainly polluted air). Additionally, two Bilbao stronger correlation between these metals, indicating traffic-related source emissions. The or relation elements optimal discussed herein. On other hand, Pearson analysis revealed significant trends studied especially Pb, Cr Cd, supporting hypothesis tools distinguish according their levels. To our knowledge, this first that have been consequently more research still needed calibrate tool through extensive vegetation screening.