SREL Reprint #2326

X-ray imaging and microspectroscopy of plants and fungi

W. Yun1, S. T. Pratt2, R. M. Miller2, Z. Cai1, D. B. Hunter3, A. G. Jarstfer4, K. M. Kemner2, B. Lai1, H.-R. Lee1,
D. G. Legnini1, W. Rodrigues1, and C. I. Smith2

1Experimental Facilities Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonnne, IL 60439-4800, USA
2Environmental Research Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439-4843, USA
3Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, The University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
4LeTourneau University, PO Box 7001, Longview, TX 75607-7001, USA

Abstract: X-ray fluorescence microscopy and microspectroscopy with micrometre spatial resolution and unprecedented capabilities for the study of biological and environmental samples are reported. These new capabilities are a result of both the combination of high-brilliance synchrotron radiation and high-performance X-ray microfocusing optics and the intrinsic advantages of X-rays for elemental mapping and chemical-state imaging. In this paper, these capabilities are illustrated by experimental results on hard X-ray phase-contrast imaging, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging and microspectroscopy of mycorrhizal plant roots and fungi in their natural hydrated state. The XRF microprobe is demonstrated by the simultaneous mapping of the elemental distributions of P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn with a spatial resolution of approximately 1 x 3 µm and with an elemental sensitivity of approximately 500 p.p.b. Microspectroscopy with the same spatial resolution is demonstrated by recording near-edge X-ray absorption (XANES) spectra of Mn at a concentration of approximately 3 p.p.m.

Keywords: X-ray microprobes; high spatial resolution; high sensitivity; elemental maps

SREL Reprint #2326

Yun, W., S.T. Pratt, R.M. Miller, Z. Cai, D.B. Hunter, A.G. Jarstfer, K.M. Kemner, B. Lai, H.R. Lee, D.B. Legnini, W. Rodrigues, and C.I. Smith. 1998. X-ray imaging and microspectroscopy of plants and fungi. Journal of Synchrotron Radiation 5:1390-1395.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).