Gold Nanoparticles: Researchers Utilize Duckweeds in Phytomining and Production

Researchers from IPB University in Indonesia have made a breakthrough in the production of gold nanoparticles using duckweeds. The study found that duckweeds can accumulate gold from gold mine tailings, thereby reducing the environmental impact of mining. The researchers also successfully extracted gold nanoparticles from the duckweeds, which showed a localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon and a spherical shape with an average size of 20.3 ± 8 nanometers. The study suggests that duckweeds can be used for phytoremediation and phytomining programs, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to gold production.

Key Takeaways:

• The study utilized duckweeds (Lemna aequinoctialis) to accumulate gold from gold mine tailings, with the gold content increasing up to 250 g of tailing content.
• The researchers found that duckweed treated with 0.7 mM of Gold (III) chloride solution turned to purple and accumulated large amounts of gold.
• Gold nanoparticles extracted from duckweed grown in positive control showed a localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon and a spherical shape with an average size of 20.3 ± 8 nanometers.
• The study suggests that duckweeds can be used for phytoremediation and phytomining programs, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to gold production.
• The researchers note that duckweeds underwent chlorosis due to heavy metal stress, indicating the need for further research on the use of duckweeds in phytomining.

Statistics:

• 100, 250, and 500 g of gold mine tailing were used in the experiment to observe the ability of duckweed to accumulate gold.
• 7 days were required for the duckweeds to accumulate gold from the tailings and for the gold nanoparticles to reach a size of 20.3 ± 8 nanometers.
• The study found that the gold content of duckweed treated with tailing increased up to 250 g, but there was no further increase at 500 g.

Sources:

• Utilization of duckweed in phytomining of gold mine tailing and its potential to produce gold nanoparticle. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2025.
• IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.
• Springer Heidelberg, Tiergartenstrasse 17, D-69121 Heidelberg, Germany.