Accumulation of selected heavy metals in willow shoots (Salix viminalis L.) cultivated in the neighbourhood of a coal ash and slag landfill

The aim of the study was to evaluate the contents of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu in shoots of willow (Salix viminalis L.) cultivated in the vicinity of a coal ash and slag landfill. The landfill is surrounded by arable lands and meadows. There are two major negative influences of the landfill - dusting and flooding. The result of these interactions is the systematic reduction of agricultural value of the land. A field with an area of 9600 m2 were chosen. The land is located east to the landfill. A total of 40 samples of biomass was collected. The contents of analysed elements were determined by FAAS using a Unicam Solaar M6 spectrometer. Distance from the landfill affects the contents of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu in the tested willow shoots. However, there is no single concentration pattern for all the investigated metals. An increase in willow cultivation on the described area can bring a good environmental effect and become an example of proper management of the ash and slag landfill neighbourhood.