Fern Fronds Ferret Out Toxins

Scientists discover a fern that soaks up arsenic from soils; it may have the potential clean up thousands of contaminated soils.

1 minute read

February 3, 2001, 9:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"The solution to one of man's most vexing environmental problems may lie in one of nature's most remarkable plants. University of Florida scientists have discovered a fern that soaks up arsenic from contaminated soil.The first plant ever found to 'hyperaccumulate' arsenic -- a carcinogenic heavy metal often used as an herbicide -- the fern may prove useful in cleaning up thousands of sites contaminated by arsenic from industrial, mining, agricultural or other operations around the world."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Saturday, February 3, 2001 in Wired

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