Core Insights - The research team from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry has discovered a novel method of bio-mineralization of rare earth elements in a plant called "Oumao Fern," which forms a mineral known as "lanthanite" within its tissues [4][5][6] - This finding represents the first observation of bio-mineralization of rare earth elements in a natural plant, providing a potential sustainable method for rare earth extraction [4][5] Group 1: Research Findings - The study reveals that the Oumao Fern acts as a "rare earth vacuum cleaner," efficiently absorbing and concentrating rare earth elements from the environment [5][6] - The rare earth elements are deposited in the form of nanoparticles within the plant's vascular bundles and epidermal tissues, which then crystallize into phosphate rare earth minerals [5][6] - This process serves as a protective mechanism for the plant, effectively "packaging" toxic rare earth ions and locking them into mineral structures, thus achieving detoxification [5][6] Group 2: Implications for Sustainable Resource Utilization - The research suggests that planting Oumao Fern and similar hyperaccumulator plants could facilitate the remediation of contaminated soils while simultaneously recovering valuable rare earth elements, creating a "repair and recovery" green cycle [5][6] - The bio-mineralized lanthanite formed by the Oumao Fern is free from radioactive elements like uranium and thorium, presenting a cleaner extraction alternative compared to traditional mining methods [6] - This discovery enhances the understanding of mineral production capabilities in plants, which have been historically underestimated, and opens new avenues for research into other hyperaccumulator species [6]

Core Insights - Rare earth elements are essential strategic resources in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and national defense, but traditional mining methods cause significant environmental damage [1][2] - A study published in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology" reveals that the plant "Osmunda japonica" can accumulate rare earth elements and form a mineral called "lanthanite," marking the first observation of biogenic mineralization of rare earths in natural plants [1][4] Group 1 - The research team discovered that "Osmunda japonica" acts as a "rare earth vacuum cleaner," efficiently absorbing and concentrating rare earth elements from the soil [1][4] - The process involves the precipitation of rare earth elements in the form of nanoparticles within the plant's vascular bundles and epidermal tissues, which then crystallize into phosphate rare earth minerals [1][4] - This mechanism serves as a protective strategy for the plant, effectively "packaging" toxic rare earth ions into mineral structures, thus detoxifying them [1][4] Group 2 - The biogenic lanthanite formed by "Osmunda japonica" is pure and free of radioactive elements, presenting a promising green extraction potential compared to traditional mining methods [2][4] - The study highlights the previously underestimated mineralization capabilities of plants, opening new avenues for research on nearly a thousand known hyperaccumulating plant species [4] - The findings suggest a sustainable approach to rare earth resource utilization, where planting hyperaccumulating species like "Osmunda japonica" can aid in soil remediation while recovering valuable rare earths, achieving a green circular economy [4]