Using SEM-EDX and ICP-OES to Investigate the Elemental Composition of Green MacroalgaVaucheria sessilis

Abstract

The biomass of Vaucheria sessilis forms algal mats in many freshwaters. There is a need to find the method of algal biomass utilization. Vaucheria sessilis is a rich source of micro- and macronutrients and can be used as a soil amendment. In the paper, the elemental composition of enriched, via bioaccumulation process, macroalga was investigated. For this purpose, two independent techniques were used: scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray analytical system (SEMEDX) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The biomass was exposed to two microelemental solutions, with Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions. After two weeks of the experiment, macroalga accumulated 98.5 mg of Zn(II) ions in 1 g of dry biomass and 68.9 mg g−1 of Cu(II) ions. Micrographs performed by SEM proved that bioaccumulation occurred. Metal ions were bound on the surface and in the interior of cells. Mappings of all cations showed that in the case of the surface of biomass (biosorption), the elements constituted aggregations and in the case of the cross section (bioaccumulation) they were evenly distributed. The algal biomass with permanently bound microelements can find an application in many branches of the industry (feed, natural fertilizers, etc.).

Valorization of Biomass into Micronutrient Fertilizers

“…These results suggest that more micronutrients were bound to the surface of raspberry seeds (SEM-EDX), while the highest content of micronutrients was obtained for blackcurrant seeds (ICP-OES). High content of micronutrient ions determined by SEM-EDX analysis of the enriched biomass showed favourable binding of metal ions to the surface of the biomass which was confirmed in the previous studies [31].…”

Multi-color electron microscopy by element-guided identification of cells, organelles and molecules

“…These may be due to natural or enriched variations of endogenous elements, introduced stains (like osmium), and/or specific labels as shown for immunotargeted gold and QDs. Elemental detection has been explored before, mostly EELS focusing on quantitative determination of concentrations of typically one or two elements at the (sub)cellular level (reviewed in refs 26,27). The Leapman lab pioneered EELS, which is capable of discriminating insulin and glucagon in cells13.…”

Assessment of heavy metal tolerance and biosorptive potential of Klebsiella variicola isolated from industrial effluents

“…Prepared samples were placed on the sample holder (stub) with carbon tape. In order to increase the electron conduction and to improve the quality of micrographs, a conductive layer of gold was made with portable SC7620 ‘Mini’ sputter coater/glow discharge system (Quorum Technologies Ltd, Laughton, UK) (Michalak et al 2014). …”