SAEDNEWS: Australian Scientists Discover Tiny Gold Particles in Eucalyptus Leaves
According to Saed News, citing IRNA, a recent discovery could assist gold prospectors in locating new reserves of the precious metal.
Researchers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia reported that their study was conducted in the Kalgoorlie region of Western Australia, a gold mining hub since the 1800s.
Dr. Mel Lintern explained that the trees appear to absorb gold particles through their roots from depths of up to 30 meters underground.
“The eucalyptus tree acts like a hydraulic pump, reaching deep into the earth and drawing gold particles to the surface,” Lintern said.
Since gold is likely toxic to the plant, the metal moves into the leaves and branches, where it can either accumulate or fall to the ground.
The researchers noted that the leaf particles themselves do not create a new flow of gold, as their width is only about one-fifth that of a human hair and can only be detected using advanced X-ray imaging.
However, using a technique called “biochemical sampling,” scientists can identify signs of gold beneath the surface without digging.
“By sampling and analyzing plant cover for traces of minerals, we can gain insight into what is happening underground without the need for excavation,” Lintern said.
He added that this method provides a more targeted approach to mineral exploration, reducing both costs and environmental impact. The technique can also be applied to discovering other metals, such as zinc and copper.
The study was published in Nature Communications.
