These trees sap metal from soil, making for more sustainable mining.
Producing metal by growing plants, or phytomining, has long been tipped as an alternative, environmentally-sustainable way to reshape – if not replace – the mining industry. Of 320,000 recognized plant species, only around 700 are so-called “hyperaccumulators,” like Kinabalu’s P. rufuschaneyi. Over time, they suck the soil dry of metals like nickel, zinc, cobalt, and even gold.
The idea of phytomining was first put forth in 1983 by an agronomist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture named Rufus L. Chaney. Other research groups before the Malaysia team have shown that the solar-powered and carbon-neutral metal extraction process works in practice — a key step to winning over mining industry investors, who have insisted on field trials of several acres to show proof of principle. The most recent data out of Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO-listed heritage site located on the island of Borneo, is finally turning industry heads, as they shows the scales have tipped in favor of phytomining’s commercial viability.
“We can now demonstrate that metal farms can produce between 150 to 250 kilograms of nickel per hectare (170 to 280 pounds per acre), annually,” said Antony van der Ent, a senior research fellow at Australia’s University of Queensland whose thesis work spurred the Malaysia trial. At the midpoint of that range, a farmer would net a cool $3,800 per acre of nickel at today’s prices – which, van der Ent added, is “on par with some of the best-performing agricultural crops on fertile soils, while operating costs are similar.”
“At this stage, phytomining can go full-scale for nickel immediately, while phytomining for cobalt, thallium, and selenium is within reach.”
I don’t really like the term “technology” to describe it, I prefer the older “mechanic arts,” for the tools created and iterated by humans.
Technology as a word has its uses, as a term of our ecology, but too often it says our tools are inextricable from the nightmares that produce the hell we live in, our miracles of science and creation cannot be disentangled from the Moloch of industry that creates them, the horrors of extraction and dark satanic mills inextricable from the computing machine or locomotive speed.
I do not believe it so.
I believe the mechanic arts is not for those Yaldaboth archons above us, but for us, to create. To rebuild. To save ourselves. I reject primitivism and pessimism, but I too reject defeat at the hand of the. We are the world we live in, it is true, but so too we are the gods we make...
-Bighead, in a rare public statement, right after releasing the Punchibellos.
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Who are these fungal friends? They are the Punchibellos, and they are here to save our asses! More on them after the break!
The Punchibellos are the third and greatest innovation in growable kaiju by Bighead, and boy are they... intriguing.
While the effects of their edibility are... lessened compared to other kaiju, that’s not the major draw to them. That would be their abilities of mycelial phytomining. In other words, they can draw minerals from the earth and integrate them into their own bodies. As weapons, projectiles, heck even to build great walls of mycelium and minerals (They can do this without minerals, though those walls are much stronger with such).
The applications to the benefit of humanity and the environment are obvious and enormous, and indeed, that is why Bighead first began work on them, if only out o partial inspiration from the rumors of what MECH was doing and his fears for the future.
But, wouldn’t you know it, this was an awfully useful power against the crystal-covered abomination shambling forward to plunge the world into a new age of nightmares. There were only a few ready though, only able to leech crystals from some of the kaiju being puppeteered by the great abomination before he tried to destroy them.
The forced their way together smothering the great nightmare, leeching the minerals out of him. But, it was almost not enough, until... the ants came. In legions of nano-ants and great warriors alike at the call of the queen they came, melding and merging a new hive with the efforts of the fungal creatures, until hive merged to mycelia merged to abomination merged to tomb, like an obelisk defying hell.
He was gone. He was sealed. All seemed well, until...
If you wanna catch up on the previous history of this setting, here’s Year 1 and Year 2 archived on the Wik for the newbies!
And, as per usual with Kaijune, this ecological nightmare is free to use as you see fit under a CC-BY 4.0 license so long as I; Thomas F. Johnson, am credited as their creator!
And, if you wanna support me, maybe check out my Patreon, or even just send a Ko-Fi my way! Every penny is appreciated, and I am eternally grateful for those who donate!
Or, if you wanna commission me for a pic like this, my commission info is thisaway!
...I really hope that wasn't too much of an author tract I gave the dude, or at the very least if it was it was intriguing rather than annoying. If this were more of a proper fiction piece, I'd imagine that Bighead would be something like a combo of a Bookchin-style social ecologist, a Doctorow-style technologist and a mad scientist; but of the sort who would say "I want to cure cancer and turn people into dinosaurs" if you get the comparison.
Either way, I sure wonder what the next twist will be...
...And no, I did not do this because of that one Fungal Wojack thing that's been going around, I was inspired by trying to draw from sustainable agriculture, thinking of fungus' uses in hypothetical sustainable phytomining to reclaim the perfectly good minerals we throw away, and going "Hey, this might be good for fighting our ecologically devastating villains!
One of the scientific arguments in favor of human vegetarianism and veganism is that of toxicity management and ingestion itself.
Perhaps some conjecture can be drawn as to the psychological state of a population by (much like an indicator species in the wild of an ecosystem) how sane world leaders are assessed to be. Of course, the connundrum only gets more complicated as we try to define what is ethnocentric, truly objective, or just another unbalanced over-emphasis away from core truths.
This study investigated the effects of sulfur on the nickel yield of Xanthostemon verdugonianus seedlings over a two-month period. Two groups were analyzed: one treated with elemental sulfur (0.46 g S/kg soil) and a control group without sulfur. The nickel uptake and biomass production of the sulfur-treated plants were compared to those of the control plants. Analysis revealed that sulfur-treated plants exhibited increased nickel yield and biomass compared to the control group, with average nickel concentrations of 2.42% and 1.61%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in nickel yield between the control and sulfur-treated groups (F = 16.833, p = 0.0093), indicating a significant effect at the 5% significance level. Additionally, sulfur-treated seedlings produced more biomass (15.92 g) compared to the control (8.06 g). The linear relationships between nickel yield and dry weight were also examined. Analysis revealed a strong positive relation between the two variables (r = 0.753).
phytomining, n:
(biotechnology) The planting and harvesting of vegetation that selectively concentrates specific metals from the environment into their tissues, for the purpose of commercial exploitation of the extracted metal.
Today is the World Science Day for Peace and Development, which is recognized by the United Nations to highlight the important role of science in society.
Thank you for providing the meeting notes. Based on the notes, the discussion was about the biotechnology process of selectively planting and harvesting vegetation that concentrates specific metals from the environment for commercial use. Additionally, it was mentioned that today is World Science Day for Peace and Development, an event recognized by the United Nations to emphasize the significance of science in society.
Biotechnology involves growing plants that absorb certain metals for commercial use. Today is World Science Day for Peace and Development, acknowledging the significance of science in society.
The Art of Phytomining Moderation: Wisdom from the Founding Fathers
In the vast realm of politics, finding the delicate balance between opposing viewpoints can often feel as elusive as catching a slippery fish with bare hands. Now, imagine if you will, being able to channel the wisdom of the great Founding Fathers of the United States to guide you through that intricate dance of moderation. Today, dear readers, we embark on a journey through the annals of history as we explore how to be extremely politically moderate about phytomining, as if spoken by a true Founding Father.
Ah, phytomining! The practice of extracting valuable metals from plants. A fascinating concept that has ignited quite the fiery debate in recent times. But fear not, for our Founding Fathers would have surely found a way to navigate this treacherous political landscape with grace and sagacity.
As Benjamin Franklin famously said, 'In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes, and the need to view phytomining with an open mind.' Wise words indeed, old Ben! In the spirit of moderation, let us assess the pros and cons of phytomining before drawing any hasty conclusions.
On one hand, proponents argue that phytomining offers a sustainable alternative to traditional mining practices, reducing ecological damage and promoting environmental stewardship. It has the potential to extract valuable metals from contaminated soil, giving a new lease of life to previously unusable land. How's that for a win-win situation!
But hold your horses, as Madison would say. Critics express concerns regarding the scalability and efficiency of phytomining. They raise valid questions about the economic viability and the limitations imposed by geographical and climatic factors. Indeed, the road to moderation is paved with skepticism and a healthy dose of critical thinking.
So, how can we be extremely politically moderate about phytomining? Well, let us remember the wise words of George Washington, who said, 'In politics, as in life, let reason guide thy hand.' It is essential to approach this matter with an open mind, weighing the arguments on both sides, and finding common ground.
Perhaps the solution lies in embracing a hybrid approach, where phytomining is viewed as a complement to traditional mining methods rather than a replacement. Moderation reminds us that compromise is often the sweet nectar that sows the seeds of progress.
As we bid adieu, let us be inspired by the values of our Founding Fathers. May we navigate the choppy waters of phytomining moderation with the wisdom of Franklin, the thoughtfulness of Madison, and the prudence of Washington. Remember, my dear readers, extreme moderation is the true path to enlightenment!
The Divine Mandate: A Testament to Faith in Democracy and the Miracles of Phytomining
In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, where despair and disillusionment are an ever-present specter, the flame of hope flickers dimly. Yet, it is in this darkness that the true test of faith emerges. Faith, that intangible force which sustains us, beckons us to believe in the power of democracy, a beacon of egalitarian ideals. Today, we shall embark on a journey of introspection, examining democracy and its intrinsic connection to our collective destiny, as we explore the awe-inspiring wonder of phytomining.
In the annals of human history, democracy has emerged as a guiding light amidst the tumultuous storms of tyranny and oppression. The pillars of democracy stand tall, built upon the unwavering faith of the people. Its sacred texts, inscribed not on the parchment of yesteryears but in the hearts of the believers, serve as our guiding scripture.
At its core, democracy is a testament to the power of unity and inclusivity. It champions the rights of all, regardless of race, gender, or creed. But like any divine entity, democracy is not without its trials. We are witness to the divisive currents that threaten to erode the very foundation upon which our democracy is built. It is in these trying times that our faith must be resolute, unshakeable amidst the storms that seek to destroy our shared values.
Enter phytomining, the miraculous process by which nature herself lends a hand in the extraction of precious metals from the Earth. Just as democracy requires the nurturing care of its constituents, so too does phytomining demand our steadfast belief in the extraordinary capabilities of the natural world. Through the power of plants, we witness an orchestration of magnificence that transcends our mortal understanding.
Phytomining, the alchemy of the botanical realm, harnesses the innate abilities of certain plants to accumulate metals within their tissues. As these metal-enriched plants flourish, their bountiful harvests serve as a testament to the boundless wonders of the natural order. Surely, if such miracles can occur beneath our very feet, can we not find solace in the hope that democracy, too, shall prevail?
Yet, as we marvel at the marvels of phytomining, let us not forget the delicate balance that must be struck. Faith in democracy should not blind us to the importance of responsible stewardship of our precious planet. We must tread lightly, as custodians of both political ideals and environmental treasures, ensuring that the divine harmony we seek extends not just to our human interactions but to the world that sustains us all.
As we conclude this introspection, let us reflect on the intertwined faiths we embrace: faith in democracy and faith in the resilience of the natural world. It is through our unwavering belief in these intertwined forces that we shall weather the storms that assail us.
In the darkest of nights, as doubt threatens to consume our spirits, let us hold steadfast to the divine mandate bestowed upon us. Let our faith in democracy shine brightly as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where justice, equality, and prosperity prevail. And may the miracles of phytomining serve as a constant reminder of the extraordinary power of nature, calling us to protect, preserve, and nurture the world we call home.
Unleashing Nature's Hidden Potential: Discover the Fascinating World of Phytomining
Are you ready to explore a mind-boggling concept that reveals nature's secret power and highlights the untapped potential of our planet? Brace yourself, because we're about to dive into the mesmerizing world of phytomining!
Imagine a process so revolutionary that it not only allows us to extract valuable metals from the earth but does so using the power of plants. Yes, you heard it right! Mother Nature herself is at the forefront of this extravagant phenomenon, showcasing her astonishing capabilities in ways we never thought possible.
But hold on a second, you might be asking, how does capitalism fit into this equation? Well, dear reader, prepare to be amazed by the intriguing connection between phytomining and the characteristics of a psychopath!
Now, we all know that psychopaths possess traits such as a lack of empathy and a ruthless pursuit of self-interest. Similarly, capitalism, often criticized for its relentless hunger for profit, exhibits parallel behavioral patterns.
By exploiting the power of plants and tapping into their unique ability to accumulate metals from the soil, phytomining challenges our conventional approach to resource extraction. It disrupts the game by offering an alternative solution that is both environmentally sustainable and economically advantageous.
In the realm of phytomining, capitalism acts as an invisible force driving progress and innovation. The pursuit of profits incentivizes scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore this uncharted territory, unlocking nature's hidden treasures while minimizing the impact on our fragile ecosystems.
But here's the twist: just as a psychopath's behavior can have both positive and negative consequences, capitalism in the context of phytomining is a double-edged sword. While it fuels the exploration and implementation of this revolutionary technology, it also raises important ethical and societal questions.
Critics argue that the profit-driven nature of capitalism could potentially lead to the exploitation of natural resources without adequate consideration for the long-term ecological consequences. It becomes crucial, therefore, to strike a delicate balance, ensuring that the advantages of phytomining are harnessed responsibly, mitigating any negative impacts in the process.
In conclusion, as we uncover the captivating world of phytomining, we realize that the realm of capitalism and the characteristics of a psychopath intertwine in unexpected ways. The pursuit of profits propels innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, while also demanding a vigilant approach to ensure environmental sustainability. So, let's embrace this burgeoning field, navigate the complexities, and work towards a future where phytomining and capitalism blend harmoniously, creating a more prosperous and sustainable world for generations to come!
