Chrysotile asbestos is progressively converted into a non-fibrous amorphous material by the chelating action of lichen metabolites.

Authors :: Favero-Longo SE
Turci F
Tomatis M
Castelli D
Bonfante P
Hochella MF
Piervittori R
Fubini B
Source :: Journal of environmental monitoring : JEM [J Environ Monit] 2005 Aug; Vol. 7 (8), pp. 764-6. Date of Electronic Publication: 2005 Jul 11.
Publication Year :: 2005
Abstract: A natural deactivation of chrysotile asbestos occurs on serpentinite rocks where lichens selectively grow on the fibres and secrete metabolites, including oxalic acid, which, in the long term, turn the fibres into a non-toxic amorphous material.

Subjects :: Chelating Agents chemistry
Chelating Agents metabolism
Lichens ultrastructure
Oxalic Acid metabolism
Silicon Dioxide chemistry
Asbestos, Serpentine chemistry
Lichens metabolism
Oxalic Acid chemistry

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