Bioindicator potential and stress responses of Achillea millefolium to heavy metal contamination in Kosovo soils

The Ferronikeli smelter, as one of the most well-known industrial areas in Kosovo, poses a very serious concern for the living world.The objective of the research study in this area was the evaluation of environmental pollution through the quantifying of the concentration of heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Zn) in the soil as well as in the vegetative parts (root, stem and leaves) of the Achillea millefolium plant, which the population uses for therapeutic purposes.Also, the assessment of the environmental condition was made through the parameters of oxidative stress (sulfhydryl groups and protein carbonylation) in the leaves of the same plant.The concentration of heavy metals was determined with ICPE9800 -plasma emission spectrometer, from which it was observed that Ni, and Zn revealed high values compared to Pb both in the soil as well as in the roots and leaves of the Achillea millefolium plant.Also, the values of biochemical parameters exhibited high values in this area, precisely due to mining activity.Therefore, it was recommended that this area and this plant species be systematically monitored, as it is a good indicator of the environmental condition.