# Other uses

By [jake0et](https://paragraph.com/@jake0et) · 2021-10-29

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*   In [internet culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_culture), bananas are sometimes included in images as a reference for the [size](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Size) of other objects in the image. This use, often accompanied with the text "banana for scale", became an [internet meme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_meme).[\[161\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana#cite_note-161)
    
*   The large leaves may be used as [umbrellas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbrella).[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana#cite_note-morton-132)
    
*   [Banana peel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_peel) may have capability to extract [heavy metal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_\(chemistry\)) [contamination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contamination) from river water, similar to other [purification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_purification) materials.[\[162\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana#cite_note-162)[\[163\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana#cite_note-163) In 2007, banana peel powder was tested as a means of filtration for heavy metals and [radionuclides](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radionuclide) occurring in water produced by the nuclear and fertilizer industries (cadmium contaminant is present in phosphates). When added and thoroughly mixed for 40 minutes, the powder can remove roughly 65% of heavy metals, and this can be repeated.
    
*   Waste bananas can be used to feed [livestock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livestock).

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*Originally published on [jake0et](https://paragraph.com/@jake0et/other-uses)*