Particle Induced X-Ray Emission Microanalysis of Root Samples from Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Authors

M. Hult, Lund Institute of Technology
B. Bengtsson, Swedish University of Agriculture
N. P. -O. Larsson, Lund Institute of Technology
C. Yang, Shanghai Institute of Nuclear Research

Abstract

Beech seedlings (Fagus Sylvatica) were grown in a nutrient solution to which AlCl₃ had been added. The experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of aluminum on the localization of elements in plant root tissue. Cross-sections of roots were analyzed with micro-PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission) and Rutherford backscattering (RBS) simultaneously. A proton beam of either 30x30 μm² or 5x5 μm² was scanned over the samples, and quantitative elemental maps were created. Aluminum was found to accumulate in high concentrations (percent levels) in the epidermis and the outer layer of the cortex, when the nutrient solution held 1.0 mM AlCl₃. It was also obvious that calcium was depleted where aluminum accumulated. The distribution of aluminum was inhomogeneous, and therefore, it was necessary to analyze the total area of the cross-section and not only look at a small part of it, for example along a diametrical line.

Recommended Citation

Hult, M.; Bengtsson, B.; Larsson, N. P. -O.; and Yang, C. (1992) "Particle Induced X-Ray Emission Microanalysis of Root Samples from Beech (Fagus sylvatica)," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 6: No. 2, Article 22.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol6/iss2/22