Cadmium tolerance in the willow (Salix): The potential of Salix laevigata for phytoremediation

Heavy metal soil contamination has become an environmental problem world wide. Industrial processes and waste removal have caused an increase in heavy metals and toxic compounds in the environment. Cadmium has significant deleterious effects on the environment and living organism. Cadmium and other heavy metals are transported by means of wind and rain erosion, polluting new areas. Phytoremediation has shown to be a cost effect and environmental friendly method for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. This study investigates the Cadmium tolerance in the Salix laevigata (Red Willow) for remediation potential of contaminated soils. Asexually propagated cuttings were grown in a gravel and sand medium under greenhouse conditions. Cadmium Sulfate (CdSO4) was applied as a pure powdered solid directly to the gravel:sand medium. These preliminary studies suggest that the Red Willow may be suited for revegetation of soils contaminated with Cadmium and remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.