For the first time in the world, Chinese scientists have launched a trial tree planting project aimed at extracting toxic arsenic from agricultural land.
 |
Pteris vittata L |
Chen Tongbin, a researcher at the Institute of Geography and Resources under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is leading the establishment of three experimental sites in Hunan, Zhejiang, and Guangdong to remove heavy metal components from the soil.
The experimental site covering 1 hectare in Hunan has been planted with 30 tons of arsenic-absorbing plants, scientifically named Pteris vittata L. This type of fern is capable of removing 10% of arsenic from the soil within a year.
The soil remediation technique relies on herbs that accumulate toxins. The heavy metals absorbed by these plants can be recycled. The primary target of this technique is arsenic, copper, and zinc.
Chen’s team is regarded as a leader in the technique of extracting arsenic from soil, demonstrating that Pteris vittata L, a fern abundant in southern China, has a strong ability to absorb arsenic from the soil.
Statistics indicate that 20% of China’s agricultural land is contaminated with heavy metals, leading to a loss of about 10 million tons of grain each year.
Q.HƯƠNG (According to Xinhuanet)
