Phytoaccumulation of copper in willow seedlings under different hydrological regimes

Plant biomass and copper (Cu) accumulation by Salix jiangsuensis CL 'J-172' and Salix babylonica Linn grown in Cu spiked soils were investigated under different hydrological regimes to assess the suitability of willow for phytoremediation of contaminated wetlands. The results showed that willow can maintain normal growth with no visual symptoms of Cu toxicity, suggesting that willow has high resistance to the combined stresses of Cu and waterlogging. The elevated Cu concentration in soil significantly decreased the biomass and increased Cu content in the roots of the two species. Flooding increased Cu accumulation in the roots and decreased Cu accumulation in the stems and leaves. Considering the large biomass of willow and its metal accumulation ability, willow has the potential for use in phytoremediation of Cu-contaminated wetlands. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.