ABSTRACT
Based on the results of the present investigation it was found that the heavy metal content of the run-off water from the surface of main roads has a marked effect on the element composition of the drying area. The measurements and the evaluation of the data confirmed expectations that the heavy metal contamination of the plant vegetation of the drying area would increase significantly due to the heavy metal content of the run-off water from the main road. The plants in the drying area promote the transfer of heavy metals into the food chain. According to the results of the present study it is recommended that the grass from the drying areas beside main roads should not be used for animal nutrition, because its lead content exceeds the upper limit given in the Hungarian Feed Standard now in force.