Amazing Discovery: Fern Found to Collect and Store Rare Earth Elements
Scientists have recently made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the fern known as Blechnum orientale: it has the ability to gather and retain rare earth elements within its tissues. This newfound superpower could revolutionize the way we extract mineral resources that are crucial for modern technology.
There are 17 rare earth elements that are essential components in a wide range of high-tech devices, from electronics to renewable energy sources. While these elements are not actually rare, extracting them from the Earth’s crust is a costly and environmentally taxing process.
Enter the concept of phytomining, which involves using hyperaccumulator plants like B. orientale to draw out metals from the soil. This sustainable approach presents a promising solution to the challenges of sourcing rare earth elements.
The fern species B. orientale was already known for its hyperaccumulating properties, but researchers have now uncovered something even more remarkable: the plant is capable of growing rare earth element crystals, specifically the REE-rich compound monazite, within its tissues.
Through advanced imaging techniques and chemical analysis, scientists observed the formation of monazite crystals inside the fern, a process that occurs naturally without the need for extreme heat and pressure typically found underground. This discovery signifies a new pathway for mineralization facilitated by plants.
Further investigation is needed to determine if other plants exhibit similar capabilities, with some indications suggesting that another fern species, Dicranopteris linearis, may also possess this trait. The goal now is to develop methods for extracting and processing the monazite to obtain the individual rare earth elements efficiently.
The implications of this research are significant, offering a novel approach to sustainable rare earth element extraction. By harnessing the natural abilities of plants like B. orientale, we may pave the way for a more environmentally friendly and economically viable method of sourcing these critical materials.
This groundbreaking study, demonstrating the potential of phytomining, has been published in Environmental Science & Technology.
