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 Viewpoint - The discovery of rare earth element biomineralization in the plant "Ophioglossum" presents a sustainable and cleaner method for rare earth extraction, addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional mining practices [1][5]. Group 1: Discovery and Significance - Researchers from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry have identified a rare earth biomineralization phenomenon in the "Ophioglossum" plant, marking the first instance of such a discovery in natural plants [1]. - The plant acts as a "rare earth vacuum cleaner," efficiently absorbing and concentrating rare earth elements from the soil, which are then precipitated as nanoparticles and crystallized into rare earth phosphate minerals [1][5]. Group 2: Mechanism and Implications - The process observed is a self-protective mechanism of the plant, where it "packages" potentially harmful rare earth ions into a mineral structure, effectively detoxifying them [2]. - The "biological monazite" formed under natural conditions is pure and non-radioactive, offering a promising green extraction alternative compared to traditional monazite, which often contains radioactive elements [4]. Group 3: Future Applications - This research not only enhances understanding of plant mineralization mechanisms but also opens new avenues for studying over a thousand known hyperaccumulating plants [5]. - Utilizing hyperaccumulating plants like "Ophioglossum" could lead to sustainable rare earth resource recovery while simultaneously remediating contaminated soils and restoring ecosystems, achieving a "repair and recovery" green cycle [5].