Gold phytomining in arid and semiarid soils.

Metals such as gold, copper and lead can be found in soil at high concentration at many desert locations. However, adverse weather conditions, specifically a lack of moisture, limit the range of applicable technologies to recover these metals. A number of plant species have been tested under both laboratory and field conditions to determine their potential for use in the phytoextraction of metals such as gold. Recorded gold extraction and dry matter yields suggest that phytomining in arid and semiarid zones might be viable if plant species are used that can to adjust to the conditions of these regions.