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

FULL STORY: Fern Fronds Ferret Out Toxins

Saturday, February 3, 2001 in Wired

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