Scientists find rare-earth elements in living plant for first time
In a groundbreaking discovery, a Chinese-led team of scientists has found a naturally occurring mineral containing rare earth elements in a fern for the first time in the world. The team discovered nanoscale monazite, a rare-earth phosphate mineral, in the living plant, opening new possibilities for the direct recovery of functional rare-earth element materials. This innovative finding has significant implications for the field of environmental science and technology, and was recently published in the prestigious journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements with unique properties that make them essential for a wide range of high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and advanced ceramics. Despite their importance, the extraction and processing of REEs can have significant environmental and social impacts, including pollution, water contamination, and human health risks. Therefore, the discovery of REEs in a living plant offers a promising alternative for the sustainable production of these critical materials.
The research team, led by scientists from China, used advanced techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to analyze the fern plant and identify the presence of nanoscale monazite. The results showed that the monazite crystals were embedded in the plant’s cells and tissues, and were found to contain a range of REEs, including cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium.
The discovery of REEs in a living plant is significant because it suggests that plants may be able to absorb and accumulate these elements from the soil, potentially providing a natural and sustainable source of these critical materials. This finding also raises important questions about the role of plants in the biogeochemical cycle of REEs, and how they may be used to develop new technologies for the recovery and processing of these elements.
The use of plants for the extraction of REEs is a concept known as “phytomining,” which involves the use of plants to absorb and concentrate metals and other elements from the soil. Phytomining has been explored as a potential alternative to traditional mining methods, which can have significant environmental impacts. The discovery of REEs in a fern plant suggests that phytomining may be a viable option for the production of these critical materials, and could provide a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining methods.
The research team’s findings also have significant implications for the development of new technologies for the recovery and processing of REEs. The discovery of nanoscale monazite in a living plant suggests that it may be possible to use plants to produce functional REE materials, such as magnets and catalysts, which could have a range of applications in fields such as energy and electronics.
In addition to the potential economic and environmental benefits, the discovery of REEs in a living plant also raises important scientific questions about the mechanisms by which plants absorb and accumulate these elements. Further research is needed to understand the role of plants in the biogeochemical cycle of REEs, and to explore the potential of phytomining as a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for the production of these critical materials.
In conclusion, the discovery of rare earth elements in a living plant is a significant breakthrough with important implications for the field of environmental science and technology. The finding of nanoscale monazite in a fern plant suggests that plants may be able to absorb and accumulate REEs from the soil, potentially providing a natural and sustainable source of these critical materials. Further research is needed to explore the potential of phytomining and to develop new technologies for the recovery and processing of REEs. As the world continues to seek more sustainable and environmentally friendly methods for the production of critical materials, the discovery of REEs in a living plant offers a promising new direction for research and development.
