【解放日报】新发现：植物体内不仅有“稀土矿”还有“加工厂”

Core Insights - Researchers in China have discovered a significant accumulation of rare earth elements in a fern species called "Umao Fern," which also exhibits a unique phenomenon of self-assembly of these elements into a mineral known as "lanthanite" [1][2] - This discovery marks the first observation of biogenic mineralization of rare earth elements in natural plants, providing a new pathway for sustainable utilization of rare earth resources [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - The study published on November 5 in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology" highlights the ability of the Umao Fern to absorb and concentrate rare earth elements from the soil, acting like a "rare earth vacuum cleaner" [1] - The rare earth elements are observed to precipitate in the form of nanoparticles within the vascular bundles and epidermal tissues of the fern leaves, eventually crystallizing into lanthanite [2] Group 2: Implications for Sustainable Resource Utilization - The process of mineral formation in the Umao Fern is identified as a self-protective mechanism, where the plant "packages" toxic rare earth ions into a mineral structure, effectively detoxifying them [2] - The biogenic lanthanite produced by the Umao Fern is free from radioactive elements, presenting a cleaner and more sustainable alternative for rare earth extraction compared to traditional mining methods [2] - This research opens new avenues for utilizing hyperaccumulator plants like the Umao Fern for soil remediation and recovery of valuable rare earth elements, promoting a green recycling model that combines environmental restoration with resource recovery [2]