Leonardo Lima

I am a plant physiologist fascinated by how certain plants have evolved the ability to tolerate and accumulate concentrations of metal(loid)s that are toxic to most other species. My research seeks to understand the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that control the uptake, transport, sequestration, and metabolism of these elements, with a particular interest in hyperaccumulation and plant adaptation to metalliferous environments. I am excited to connect this fundamental understanding of plant biology with the development of sustainable technologies, including phytomining and phytoremediation, that harness the natural capabilities of plants to recover valuable elements and restore mining-affected environments.