Hydroponic estimation of heavy metal accumulation by different genotypes of Salix.

The absorption abilities of selected heavy metals by twelve genotypes of willow (Salix) were compared in a hydroponic experiment. Coefficients of increased ion concentrations in tissues of each tested genotype were determined in relation to initial values. Some plants exhibited high sorption of particular metals (Salix purpurea Utilissima' and Salix purpurea 233') with limited sorption of other metals. The results indicate possible application of willow genotypes, with selective sorption of analyzed heavy metals. Ranking of genotypes according to their capacity for heavy metals absorption, individually and/or jointly, makes it possible to apply such information in the remediation of soil and/or sewage contaminated with individual or a complex of several heavy metals simultaneously. The most effective Salix genotypes were: Salix purpurea Utilissima' and Salix petiolaria 'Rigida'. The lowest accumulation was observed in Salix purpurea Green Dicks', Salix purpurea Uralensis' and Salix purpurea Nigra longifolia pendula'. Statistical analysis confirmed the above results.