Effect of different soil conditions on selected heavy metal accumulation by Salix viminalis tissues

Abstract

This investigation was undertaken to determine efficiency of selected heavy metal ions by different Salix viminalis tissues in relation to local physicochemical parameters. Seven heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed in 5 types of tissues (bark, root, shoots, leaves and petioles). The results presented here show different accumulation rates of tested metals in individual tissues depending on location and soil characteristics. A similar trend in the accumulation of elements in leaves and petioles was observed except for zinc and chromium. The quantities of heavy metals in shoots indicate their limited migration in plant (especially lead and cadmium). In contrast high levels of zinc in leaves were observed, which suggests strong migration of this metal to upper parts of plants. Analyzed willows were characterized by selective accumulation of ions of investigated heavy metals, with different metal migration abilities depending on location (soil properties e.g. limited migration of lead and intensive migration of cadmium and zinc to aboveground organs). A correlation between metal accumulation in the tissue and soil factors (pH, redox potential, total organic carbon) was observed. The total accumulation and translocation of heavy metal ions (especially chromium) depend on soil parameters and to some extent wood structure (cellulose, lignin).

Keywords:

• Heavy metals
• phytoremediation
• soil
• Salix
• wood structure

Acknowledgments

The experimental part of this study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Information Society Technology (State Committee for Scientific Research KBN) Grant No. N N310 3218 33. The authors thank Professor Wlodzimierz Pradzynski, Head of the Institute of Chemical Wood Technology and Professor Monika Kozlowska, Head of the Department of Plant Physiology (Poznan University of Life Sciences) for comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript.