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]

Core Viewpoint - The discovery of rare earth elements in the plant "Osmunda japonica" and their self-assembly into a mineral called "lanthanite" presents a new sustainable pathway for rare earth resource utilization, addressing ecological concerns associated with traditional mining methods [1][2][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - Researchers found that rare earth elements absorbed by Osmunda japonica precipitate as nanoparticles and crystallize into lanthanite, which acts as a protective mechanism for the plant, effectively sequestering potentially harmful rare earth ions [2][4]. - The lanthanite formed by Osmunda japonica is pure and non-radioactive, unlike naturally occurring lanthanite that often contains radioactive elements, thus offering a promising green extraction potential [4]. Group 2: Implications for Sustainable Utilization - The study opens new avenues for research on hyperaccumulator plants and suggests that cultivating Osmunda japonica could facilitate the recovery of valuable rare earth elements while simultaneously remediating contaminated soils and restoring ecosystems affected by rare earth mining [4]. - This approach embodies a "repair and recover" green circular model, allowing for the dual benefit of environmental restoration and resource recovery [4].

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]