BACKGROUND: The removal of heavy metals from polluted soils through the use of suitable plants has attracted much interest over recent decades. In this study Tamarix smyrnensis Bunge has been investigated for the characterization of its metal tolerance and ability to accumulate Pb and Cd, in order to evaluate its effectiveness as a cleanup tool for phytoextraction applications. For this purpose, two hydroponic experiments were performed, one with lead at concentration 100 ppm and a second with cadmium at concentration 5 ppm and at three different salt concentrations (0, 100, 200 mmol L-1 NaCl). RESULTS: The experimental results showed that Pb and Cd accumulation in shoots ranged from 150-270 ppm and 7.5-42 ppm, respectively, and salinity was found to increase metal accumulation in shoots. However, the presence of high metal and salt concentrations affected negatively the health and finally the survival of the plants. CONCLUSION: T. smyrnensis is neither a Pb nor a Cd hyperaccumulator; however, metal accumulation levels in shoots considered together with its high biomass production suggest that it could be used for phytoextraction applications. Furthermore, salinity has a positive influence on Pb and Cd accumulation in harvestable parts of the plant when it remains in low concentrations. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry