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Role for lichen melanins in uranium remediation

Nature volume 391, pages 649–650 (1998)Cite this article

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.

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Figure 1: Lichen concentrating uranium.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK

    J. McLean, O. W. Purvis & B. J. Williamson

  2. Department of Physiology and Environmental Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK

    E. H. Bailey

Authors
  1. J. McLean
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  2. O. W. Purvis
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  3. B. J. Williamson
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  4. E. H. Bailey
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McLean, J., Purvis, O., Williamson, B. et al. Role for lichen melanins in uranium remediation. Nature 391, 649–650 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/35533

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