The article draws on the possibilities of using short-rotation coppices for removing heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni and Cr) from fermented waste filtrate or from soil by phytoremediation.

The aim of the study was to assess heavy metal accumulation in different stem parts of willow (Salix dasyclados) in the context of their soilless growing in sludge and grain filtrate and to estimate the influence of the pH of the filtrate and nutrients on their HM accumulation ability and biomass increase. HM concentration in willow biomass was evaluated from the phytotoxic concentrations of these elements in plants as a result of long-term observation.

The study has shown that insignificant differences in the capacity to accumulate heavy metals, recorded in the top, middle and bottom parts of the cuttings, depend on whether it is a ligneous part or leafage. It was determined experimentally that by their absorption capacity HMs can be ranged as follows: Pb > Cu > Cr > Zn > Ni. The data show a linear decrease in the accumulation of heavy metals with increasing filtrate concentration in the solution for 87% of plants, i.e. high concentrations of chemical pollutants cause an inhibitory effect, which was experimentally confirmed by growing cuttings in filtrates.

Keywords: accumulation, heavy metals, fermented waste, phytoremediation