新发现：植物体内不仅有“稀土矿”还有“加工厂”

Core Insights - Researchers have discovered a significant accumulation of rare earth elements in a fern species called "U毛蕨" and observed the self-assembly of these elements into a mineral known as "lanthanite" within plant tissues, marking the first instance of biogenic mineralization of rare earth elements in natural plants [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - The study published on November 5 in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology" highlights the potential for sustainable utilization of rare earth resources through the biogenic processes observed in U毛蕨 [1] - U毛蕨 has been identified as a "super-accumulator" plant, effectively absorbing and concentrating rare earth elements from the soil, functioning like a "vacuum cleaner" for these elements [1][2] Group 2: Implications for Industry - The biogenic lanthanite formed in U毛蕨 is free from radioactive elements like uranium and thorium, which are commonly found in natural lanthanite, presenting a cleaner alternative for rare earth extraction [3] - This discovery opens new avenues for the sustainable recovery of rare earth elements, suggesting that cultivating U毛蕨 and similar plants could facilitate soil remediation and the recovery of valuable rare earths simultaneously, promoting a green recycling model [3]