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INT’L – GM TOBACCO TO DETECT LANDMINES
30 July 2008 Source: Aresa
Source: http://www.aresa.dk/landmine_plant_project_english.html
RedDetect - Plant for Landmine detection
Aresa has developed a Bio-Sensor for detection of landmines and unexploded ordnance devices on agricultural land. The BioSensor is a genetically modified plant which can sense nitrogen-dioxide in soil and change color from green to red when growing on or in near proximity of landmines.
In 2005 the company achieved proof-of-concept in a test performed in collaboration with the Danish Demining Centre under the Danish Army. The test showed plants turning red when growing on or close to landmines. A selection of 3 different types of mines was used in ordinary soil.
In 2006 Aresa expanded the testing to include additional types of mines over an area of 1,700m². These tests are still ongoing. Furthermore a new test site in has been set up in September 2006 with the aim to perform plant growth studies in different climatic conditions. The test facilities have been set up in collaboration with the Croatian Mine Action Centre for Testing, Development and Training.
Currently Aresa is considering setting up a third test site, probably in Africa.
The explosive inside the landmine contains material that releases NO2 (Nitrogen dioxide) when it has been in the ground for a period of time.
The NO2 moves through the soil and is absorbed by the mine plant, where it starts the production of a red compound. This causes the leaves of the plant to turn red.
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