Experiences of Salix viminalis application to water and sewage treatment

Willow (Salix), a pioneer plant in land reclamation process, was taken into account when a conception of plantations watered with sewage was developed. New application of Salix is an energy source. The experiences show that willow buffer zones can be used for removal of pollutants from diffuse sources. Laboratory and field experiments proved that Salix viminalis can be applied for treatment of sewage in individual household treatment plants. Application of willow gives increase of treatment efficiency in comparison to soil filters. Studies also show a successful application of willow plantations for sewage sludge utilization.