A concept that seemed like a dream for a long time in scientific circles has turned into reality: certain plant and fungus species have been identified to accumulate gold in the form of nano-particles within their bodies from the soil. This biological process, called "phytomining," is considered both an environmentally protective method and a future sustainable mining technology.
According to Milli.Az, certain plants growing specifically over gold deposits can carry microscopic gold particles in their leaves and stems. The most interesting aspect of this method is that it can be tested even at home. Thus, phytomining creates new prospects both for environmentally clean mining and for small-scale experiments conducted at home.
According to experts, plants like Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) rapidly absorb metals from the soil and can be easily cultivated under controlled conditions. Some fungus species have also been found to have the ability to convert metal compounds into gold nano-particles.
The phytomining method holds great potential not only for identifying hidden gold deposits but also for cleaning contaminated soils and producing metals for experimental purposes at home. Scientists state that in the future, production of gold and other precious metals on a commercial scale will be possible through genetically improved plants.
