tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159627187542378557.post1618460542394210835..comments2023-10-30T08:25:14.176-05:00Comments on Mwankole Kumushi Kulishani: Lead poisoning in KabweAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00293103518471430860noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8159627187542378557.post-20649605347488733692007-09-03T16:24:00.000-05:002007-09-03T16:24:00.000-05:00Hi Kashikulu,I also think this is an extremely imp...Hi Kashikulu,<BR/><BR/>I also think this is an extremely important subject. <BR/><BR/>The greatest priority of course is to close off the source of the lead poisoning. Beyond that, check out the concept of Bioremediation. <BR/><BR/><B>BIOREMEDIATION</B><BR/><BR/>http://clu-in.org/download/studentpapers/bio_of_metals_paper.pdf<BR/><BR/><A HRE="http://clu-in.org/download/studentpapers/bio_of_metals_paper.pdf">This file has </A>an interesting section on the bioremediation of lead (page 26-33). <BR/><BR/>Bioremediation is the concept of growing specific plants or fungi like mushrooms that have the tendency to absorb and concentrate heavy metals and other contaminants. <BR/><BR/>The plants are then harvested and destroyed with other chemical waste, taking the metals out of the system. <BR/><BR/>In water, some bacteria or enzymes are used to break down heavy metals. <BR/><BR/>This website lists the following plants, that specifically absorb and store lead: <BR/><BR/><B>- Sunflowers—uptake lead.<BR/>- Indian mustard greens (brassica juncea)—uptake lead, arsenic and other heavy metals.<BR/>- Brakefern (pteris vitatta)—uptakes arsenic.<BR/>- Alpine pennycress (thiaspi caerulescens)—uptake lead, cadmium and zinc </B><BR/><BR/>http://www.starhawk.org/permaculture/NOLA_bio_basics.html<BR/><BR/>(This is also an interesting website on the concept of compost teas, which are an organic fertilizer that farmers can easily make themselves - instead of waiting for the government to give them chemical fertilizers.)<BR/><BR/><B>MYCOREMEDIATION</B><BR/><BR/>Also check out the famous Paul Stamets's website on the use of fungi in bioremediation, called mycoremediation, www.fungi.com.MrKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12801241362245253006noreply@blogger.com