Plant biomass and copper (Cu) accum

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 withno visual symptoms ofCutoxicity, suggesting that willow hashighresistance 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.