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(Image: genome.jgi-psf.org) |
Science Magazine (USA) published a report yesterday from Australian scientists about the discovery of a bacterium capable of turning soil into gold, scientifically named Ralstonia metallidurans.
The team of scientists led by Dr. F. Reith collected gold particles measuring 0.1 – 2.5 mm scattered across two gold mines in Australia, finding traces of the bacterium in 80% of the gold collected. They concluded that Ralstonia metallidurans functions like microscopic soil filters, absorbing heavy metals in a dissolved state and converting them into a solid, less toxic form.
This is indeed a remarkable phenomenon, as heavy metals are typically harmful not only to humans but also to microorganisms. However, the scientists emphasized that simply pouring Ralstonia metallidurans into your garden will not yield gold immediately. Dr. Reith stated: “The important thing is that there must be gold in the soil to begin with.”
T.M
