Scientists have discovered the amazing ability of plants to accumulate precious minerals in their tissues. metals and rare earth elements. This phytomining technology opens up new opportunities for environmentally friendly mining and restoration of contaminated areas.
Imagine a plant that works like a real gold mine. Such hyperaccumulator plants exist in nature and are capable of absorbing ions from the soil gold, accumulating precious metal in its leaves and stems. The metal concentration can reach several parts per million, which makes the technology promising for industrial use.
A recent discovery by Chinese scientists has added even more impressive details to this picture. Researchers have for the first time discovered nano-sized particles of monazite, a rare earth mineral that typically forms under high temperatures and pressure, in the tissues of the fern Blechnum orientale. This discovery confirms that plants can not only accumulate metals, but also form complex minerals from them under normal conditions.
Phytomining technology offers a double benefit: extracting valuable elements while simultaneously cleaning the soil. By planting special plants in contaminated areas or in old mine sites, you can effectively restore the environment while simultaneously obtaining valuable resources. For example, horsetail in Asia Minor and some species of honeysuckle in Australia are traditionally used as indicators of gold deposits.
Green phytomining technology opens a new era in the mining industry, combining economic efficiency with concern for the environment. Find out more about promising developments in sustainable mining that could change our future.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: @expoprom, scmp.com
