Heavy metal uptake by plant parts of willow species: A meta-analysis

Previous studies on phytoremediation reported contradictory or inconsistent results on the Cd, Pb, and Zn accumulation in and among plant parts of willow (Salix) species. We hypothesized that metals could accumulate in all plant organs in different concentrations and the metal accumulation in tissues would be increased with exposure time. Furthermore, we analysed the effect of soil pH on metal accumulation, and the correlation between metals. We evaluated published information on Cd, Pb, and Zn accumulation in root, stem, twig, and leaf of willow species using meta-analysis. Results showed that all parts of willow species accumulated significantly more Cd, Pb, and Zn in contaminated soils than in uncontaminated soils. However, the metal accumulation was significantly different among plant parts. We concluded that willow species were proven to be prosperous accumulators of Cd (twigs and leaves), Pb (roots and twigs) and Zn (twigs). We found that Cd accumulation rate in stems is higher in soils with lower pH. Significant positive correlation was found between the accumulations of Cd and Zn in stems. Accumulation rates of Cd (both in leaves and twigs) and Zn (in twigs) were increased significantly with exposure time and the accumulation was successful for at least 3 years.