In 1995, Russian biologist Meglett from the University of Oldenburg conducted a study on an annual herb known as Eucalyptus and made an unexpected discovery—loquat leaves contained unusually high levels of heavy metals like zinc, lead, and cadmium. This raised an intriguing question: could there be a "hobby" plant that actively absorbs these metals from the soil? To explore this, he planted a large number of earthworms on land contaminated with zinc, lead, and cadmium. The results were surprising—the plants thrived, with lush foliage and thick leaves. In just one season, a significant amount of biomass was harvested from one hectare of land. Meglett then burned the grass in an oven at 800°C, turning it into ash. The outcome was impressive: 1.3 kg of cadmium, 23 kg of lead, and 322 kg of zinc were extracted from the ashes.
Recently, a research team from the University of Alten in Germany successfully introduced a similar approach by planting a Russian giant species on a scrap metal dump. The project has since gained widespread attention, with numerous orders coming in from environmental organizations across Germany. A commercial company has now been established to promote this innovative method. Even the German military has taken interest, as many former military sites, including chemical weapon storage areas from World War II, still need to be cleaned up. Companies have already begun using these plants to purify polluted lands and recover harmful metals.
In California, USA, researchers discovered that wild mustard can absorb nickel from the soil. By cutting and burning half a hectare of wild mustard, they found that each 100 grams of ash contained 15–20 grams of nickel. Scientists are now working on developing a new variety of mustard with even stronger metal-accumulating abilities, aiming for 12 grams of nickel per square meter. Although this method is not as efficient as traditional mining, it is completely eco-friendly and pollution-free.
Scientific studies have shown that over millions of years of evolution, many plants have developed the ability to accumulate specific metallic elements. For example, leeks are effective at absorbing zinc, citrons are rich in copper, tobacco contains high levels of uranium, Ziyunying is packed with selenium, wolfberries contain germanium, and stone pines are particularly rich in manganese. Corn or Equisetum growing in gold-rich soil can yield up to 10 grams of gold per ton. Some plants are capable of accumulating rare metals like chromium, yttrium, hafnium, and ytterbium, earning them the nickname "green rare metal pools." Their ability to collect these metals is tens, hundreds, or even thousands of times greater than that of ordinary plants. For instance, while chromium is typically undetectable in normal plants, water hyacinths can accumulate it in their roots, reaching concentrations as high as 0.13%.
These groundbreaking discoveries have sparked great interest among scientists and are now referred to as "green metallurgy." Experts believe that if this technology advances further, humans may one day harvest the metals they need simply by planting specific plants, while simultaneously restoring damaged environments. This sustainable approach offers a promising future for both resource recovery and ecological restoration.
Medical Consumables,Consumable Medical,Healthcare Consumables,Medical Device Consumables
Shandong Zhushi Pharmaceutical Group Co.,LTD , http://www.sdzs-medical.com