WHERE:  Advanced Light Source  BL5.3.2 and BL 11.0  Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscope (STXM)
 
WHEN:   February & March 2003                        POSTED:  09 September 2003
       
WHAT:  Some biofilms (symbiotic baceterial-algae colonies) can have a high affinity for pollutants such as metal ions and toxic organic compounds and thus may be useful agents for environmental remediation. The improved performance afforded by interferometrically controlled scanning transmission X-ray microscopes (STXM) at beam lines 5.3.2 and 11.0.1 coupled with the large photon energy range (200 - 1200 eV on BL 5.3.2, 90 - 2500 eV on BL 11.0.1) mean that many different elements can be mapped, with local sensitivities at the ppt or lower level. The figure shows (a) Ca and K distributions overlaind on a map emphasizing biological components (proteins mostly); (b) distributions of Mn, Fe, and Ni in the area indicated by the yellow box; (c) Fe 2p spectra showing chemical speciation capabilities. Click on any of the images for an expanded view.

OTHER INFORMATION: Biofilms (1), Biofilms(2), STXM5.3.2