Finnish scientists discovered trees that accumulate gold in their leaves thanks to soil bacteria.
Nature revealed a secret hidden in Finland: a group of scientists found trees that accumulate gold particles in plant tissues. It was in the region of Lapland and the discovery marks an unprecedented precedent in geology, microbiology and botany.
The specialists’ discovery opens new perspectives for mining exploration and raises questions about the interaction between microorganisms, soil and plants in places characterized by extreme climate.
Researchers from the University of Oulu and the Geological Survey of Finland recorded the presence of gold in trees and The discovery surprises the world.
The tree with gold that was discovered in Finland
The phenomenon that aroused worldwide interest could be detected after analyzing more than 130 samples that were collected from 23 trees in a area that is close to a gold deposit.
trees Finland 2
Four of the trees analyzed had gold nanoparticles in your fuck tissue. Those responsible for this particular rare phenomenon are endophytic bacteria, which live inside trees and absorb metal ions from groundwater, transport them to the roots and drinks of the tree, and there transform them into solid gold.
Although the amount of gold detected is very small and does not have a great commercial value, the impact occurs in the ability of trees to act as biological indicators. This method could also reduce the exploration drilling carried out and thus reduce the environmental impact, looking at a horizon for smart mining.
In addition to the economic potential, the discovery reinforces the idea that nature can serve as an ally to develop sustainable mining technology. There are scientists who are already studying whether this phenomenon could be replicated in other regions of the world with soils rich in metals.which would open the door to a new form of ecological exploration based on the biology of ecosystems.
Source: Ambito
