Pycnandra acuminata: the plant able to remove toxic elements from the soil
Some soils are enriched by potentially toxic elements, whether due to intensive agricultural activities, flue gases released in large urban centers, and/or the dumping of industrial waste.
Fortunately, researchers identified a plant, the Pycnandra acuminata, in the South Pacific region, capable of absorbing potentially toxic elements from the soil, such as nickel and cooper, and accumulate them in their stems, leaves and seeds.
Pycnandra acuminata exudes a latex in a greenish blue tone with nickel concentration of up to 25%. It is believed that the accumulation of nickel is a defense mechanism against insects.
This is an exciting discovery, because represents a possibility of decontamination of soil by phytoremediation.
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