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Role for lichen melanins in uranium remediation

Author

Listed:
  • J. McLean

    (The Natural History Museum)

  • O. W. Purvis

    (The Natural History Museum)

  • B. J. Williamson

    (The Natural History Museum)

  • E. H. Bailey

    (University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington)

Abstract

Lichens are successful colonizers in extreme terrestrial habitats world-wide, including metalliferous environments1. Their ability to accumulate metals has led to their use in monitoring radionuclide fall-out from Chernobyl and uranium uptake from dust resulting from mining2. Here we report for the first time a lichen growing directly on uranium minerals and uranium being concentrated within its tissues. Our study suggests that melanin-like pigments, substances previously unreported within lichens, are involved.

Suggested Citation

  • J. McLean & O. W. Purvis & B. J. Williamson & E. H. Bailey, 1998. "Role for lichen melanins in uranium remediation," Nature, Nature, vol. 391(6668), pages 649-650, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:391:y:1998:i:6668:d:10.1038_35533
    DOI: 10.1038/35533
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