University of Queensland geochemist Dr Amelia Corzo-Remigio said powerful X-rays confirmed crops in the Brassicaceae family had strong ‘phytomining’ potential because of the mechanisms they evolved to extract traces of the metal thallium from polluted soil.
Dr Corzo-Remigio said kale, cabbage, broccoli and mustard, were already known to ‘accumulate’ thallium and were therefore closely monitored for potential consumer and environmental health risks.
Despite this awareness, Dr Corzo-Remigio said there was a distinct lack of research into the mechanisms of thallium uptake and the potential for this trait to be used in mineral extraction.
Read the full story here on UQ News: Leafy vegetables identified as potential metal mining tools - News - The University of Queensland
