Dive summary:
- While organic waste and toxic metals have been seen as two separate problems for the waste industry, a new study published in the International Journal of Environment and Pollution found that organic waste such as onions and garlic can mop up hazardous heavy metals.
- At 122 Fahrenheit, the study found that 10 milligrams of metals could be extracted for every gram of Allium, the active component found in onions and garlic.
- Those involved in the study say they hope the discovery will lead to a cheap and effective way to reduce heavy metal deposits for small and medium scale industries in developing countries.
From the article:
The team experimented with Allium biomass to demonstrated effective removal of heavy metals from both simulated and actual industrial effluents. "The technique appears to be industrially applicable and viable," they suggest. "This may provide an affordable, environmental friendly and low maintenance technology for small and medium scale industries in developing countries," they conclude. ...
