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Vegetables grown in ‘Martian Soil’ found safe for human consumption

Reports were there of four vegetables being grown on soil similar to that on Mars and recently tested by the scientists and approved for consumption. The Dutch scientists said that the veggies have been found safe for human consumption. Scientists have worked on growing crops on Mars and Moon soil simulants since 2013 in the greenhouses at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

The first experiment demonstrated that crops could grow on the soil simulants. Last year, the researchers mixed inedible parts of the 2013 plants into the simulant and succeeded to grow ten different crops, of which several were harvested.

One remaining uncertainty was that heavy metals such as cadmium, copper and lead, which are present in the soils, could contaminate the crops.

If too high levels of heavy metals from the soil are absorbed in the edible parts of the plants, the crops become poisonous.

The researchers have now tested four of the ten grown crops for heavy metals: radishes, peas, rye, and tomatoes. No dangerous levels of aluminium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, chrome, nickel and lead were found, meaning the four crops are safe to eat.

Senior

ecologist Wieger Wamelink said that these remarkable results which we are getting are very promising.

 

Mandakini is a bioscience enthusiast and loves to portray a picture of “Science” like never before. Serving as an Editor in Biotecnika she has penned down many interesting news and articles in the past and has also helped in posting just the right job for you. Follow her for more updates in the industry !!