Synchrotron-based X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy Research Articles

Non-destructive visualisation and in situ quantification of micronutrient mobilisation in germinating rice grains using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy

Maintaining micronutrient availability in germinating rice tissues is crucial for seedling vigour and agronomic performance. However, current methods for visualising micronutrient dynamics often require destructive sample preparation. Here we report that synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) could enable non-destructive, in situ visualisation and quantification of zinc (Zn) mobilisation in intact, germinating rice grains. Using XFM on whole grains of salt-tolerant Pokkali and salt-sensitive Nipponbare varieties, we generated high-resolution elemental maps revealing the spatiotemporal distribution of Zn and other micronutrients. Direct quantification by seed volume using element association window proved inaccurate due to tissue heterogeneity. However, normalisation by areal density showed Zn accumulation was highest in the embryo, followed by the aleurone layer and shoots. Zn was initially localised in the aleurone layer and embryo, with subsequent mobilisation to developing shoots and roots during germination. Calcium was predominantly detected in the hull, while potassium was enriched in growing roots and shoots. This non-destructive XFM method provides unprecedented insights into real-time micronutrient fluxes during rice germination, offering a powerful tool for studying nutrient dynamics in diverse contexts such as biofortification, stress responses, and varietal differences. Our findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying micronutrient allocation during early seedling development, with potential applications in improving rice nutritional quality and seedling establishment.

Placental Element Content Assessed via Synchrotron-Based X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy Identifies Low Molybdenum Concentrations in Foetal Growth Restriction, Postdate Delivery and Stillbirth.

Placental health and foetal development are dependent upon element homeostasis. Analytical techniques such as mass spectroscopy can provide quantitative data on element concentrations in placental tissue but do not show spatial distribution or co-localisation of elements that may affect placental function. The present study used synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy to elucidate element content and distribution in healthy and pathological placental tissue. The X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) beamline at the Australian Synchrotron was used to image trace metal content of 19 placental sections from healthy term (n = 5, 37-39 weeks), foetal growth-restricted (n = 3, <32 weeks, birth weight <3rd centile), postdate (n = 7, >41 completed weeks), and stillbirth-complicated pregnancies (n = 4, 37-40 weeks). Samples were cryo-sectioned and freeze-dried. The concentration and distribution of fourteen elements were detected in all samples: arsenic, bromine, calcium, chlorine, copper, iron, molybdenum, phosphorous, potassium, rubidium, selenium, strontium, sulphur, and zinc. The elements zinc, calcium, phosphorous, and strontium were significantly increased in stillbirth placental tissue in comparison to healthy-term controls. Strontium, zinc, and calcium were found to co-localise in stillbirth tissue samples, and calcium and strontium concentrations were correlated in all placental groups. Molybdenum was significantly decreased in stillbirth, foetal growth-restricted, and postdate placental tissue in comparison to healthy-term samples (p < 0.0001). Synchrotron-based XFM reveals elemental distribution within biological samples such as the placenta, allowing for the co-localisation of metal deposits that may have a pathological role. Our pilot study further indicates low concentrations of placental molybdenum in pregnancies complicated by foetal growth restriction, postdate delivery, and stillbirth.

High-Grade REE accumulation in regolith: Insights from supergene alteration of an apatite-rich vein at the Kapunda Cu mine, South Australia

AbstractThe stratiform and vein-hosted Kapunda Cu deposit in South Australia contains a saprolitized hydrothermal vein with 12.37 wt.% total rare earth oxide (TREO). The vein was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction to understand the controls that govern high-grade REE accumulation during periods of intense weathering. Petrological assessments indicate the transformation of an apatite-calcite-aluminosilicate-bearing protolith to a supergene assemblage of Fe-oxides, kaolinite and REE-phosphate minerals that include rhabdophane-(Ce), monazite-(Ce) and florencite-(Ce). This transformation was facilitated by progressive acidification of the weathering fluid, which is indicated by: 1) the increasing crystallinity of authigenic Fe-oxides and kaolinite, which led to REE desorption; 2) the textural evolution and increase in grain size of authigenic REE-phosphates from nanoscopic crystallites, to acicular needles, to micro-scale hexagonal prisms; 3) the late dissolution of REE-phosphates; and 4) the replacement of goethite by jarosite, whose sulfate component originated from the oxidation and weathering of proximal sulfide minerals. Alongside the depletion of pH-buffering carbonate minerals that are indicated by the preservation of calcite menisci, this sulfide dissolution also facilitated acid generation. Results illustrate how highly acidic weathering fluids might facilitate either REE mobilization or REE accumulation in regolith. High-grade REE accumulation under acidic supergene conditions is prioritized when the host-rock contains a significant source of depositional ligands (i.e., phosphate in the form of apatite) that can be readily leached during intense weathering. Exploration companies should therefore assay routinely for REEs in any heavily weathered phosphatic rock, due to the observed efficiency of phosphate minerals as geochemical traps for REE accumulation.

Migration of transition metals and potential for carbon mineralization during acid leaching of processed kimberlite from Venetia diamond mine, South Africa

Carbonation of mafic and ultramafic rocks and mineral wastes provides a permanent way to sequester excess atmospheric CO2. Recent research has shown that this method also offers the potential for enhanced recovery of critical metals from mine tailings. In this study, processed kimberlite from the Venetia diamond mine (South Africa) was used in column acid leaching experiments to assess both its carbonation potential and whether critical metals such as nickel could be recovered during mineral carbonation. Processed kimberlite was treated daily with one pore volume of either deionized water or dilute hydrochloric acid (0.04 M, 0.08 M, 0.12 M and 0.16 M) for 28 days. Iron-rich yellow precipitates consistent with yellow ground formed during the experiments both at the top of the residue columns (corresponding to the inlets of the columns) and within the leachates collected from the bases of columns. The carbonation potential and mobility of transition metals were investigated using a combination of quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) using Rietveld refinements, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with EDXS, and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). Our results show that the high proportion of clay minerals (e.g., lizardite, smectite, talc, chlorite) in the processed kimberlite act as the primary source for Mg and transition metals such as Ni; however, calcite dissolution is the main source for Ca. The amount of Mg and Ca extracted from processed kimberlite increases with HCl concentration. If acid leaching of processed kimberlite were used at Venetia, the amount of Mg leached from clay minerals would provide an estimated CO2 offset potential ranging from 2.1 to 15.8 % of the mine's total annual emissions. The leached Ca from silicate dissolution could also provide an estimated CO2 offset potential ranging from 2.1 to 8.1 % of the mine's total annual emissions. However, the amount of CO2 released by calcite dissolution during this process is equivalent to 2.1–14.3 % of total annual CO2 emissions at Venetia., thus resulting in a net estimated CO2 offset potential of 2.1–9.6 % if the Ca released from calcite could not be recarbonated. If all of the Ca could be reprecipitated as calcite, the acid leaching techniques employed in this study could offset 4.2–23.9 % of the Venetia mine's CO2 emissions. Ultimately, greater concentrations and/or amounts of acid may be used to access more of the offset potential of Mg phyllosilicates in kimberlite, but the CO2 released by calcite dissolution must also be won back by recarbonation.

Mapping Phosphorus Availability in Soil at a Large Scale and High Resolution Using Novel Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films Designed for X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy.

A novel binding layer (BL) as part of the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique was developed for the two-dimensional visualization and quantification of labile phosphorus (P) in soils. This BL was designed for P detection by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). It differs from the conventional DGT BL as the hydrogel is eliminated to overcome the issue that the fluorescent X-rays of P are detected mainly from shallow sample depths. Instead, the novel design is based on a polyimide film (Kapton) onto which finely powdered titanium dioxide-based P binding agent (Metsorb) was applied, resulting in superficial P binding only. The BL was successfully used for quantitative visualization of P diffusion from three conventional P fertilizers applied to two soils. On a selection of samples, XFM analysis was confirmed by quantitative laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The XFM method detected significant differences in labile P concentrations and P diffusion zone radii with the P fertilizer incubation, which were explained by soil and fertilizer properties. This development paves the way for fast XFM analysis of P on large DGT BLs to investigate in situ diffusion of labile P from fertilizers and to visualize large-scale P cycling processes at high spatial resolution.

Archeological wood conservation with selected organosilicon compounds studied by XFM and nanoindentation

Waterlogged wood conservation is a complex and challenging task. Detailed knowledge about the interactions between the applied chemicals and wood is necessary to ensure the effective and safe conservation of wooden artifacts. The present research aims to determine the mechanism of dimensional stabilization of archeological wood by organosilicon compounds using the combination of synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and nanoindentation. Archeological oak wood was treated with methyltrimethoxysilane, (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane, or 1,3-bis-[(diethylamino)-3-(propoxy)propan-2-ol]-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane, which in previous studies were found to be more effective than other organosilicons in stabilizing wood dimensions. The XFM and nanoindentation results showed that all three organosilicons infiltrated wood cell walls and enhanced their mechanical properties. The XFM also showed that part of the chemicals filled some void spaces like cell lumina. Based on the results obtained here and in our previous research, it is determined that the mechanism of archeological wood dimensional stabilization by organosilicon treatment is complex and likely involves both filling cell lumina and infiltration into cell walls where organosilicons interact with wood polymers.

Differences and similarities in selenium biopathways in Astragalus, Neptunia (Fabaceae) and Stanleya (Brassicaceae) hyperaccumulators.

Selenium hyperaccumulator species are of primary interest for studying the evolution of hyperaccumulation and for use in biofortification because selenium is an essential element in human nutrition. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the distributions of selenium in the three most studied hyperaccumulating taxa (Astragalus bisulcatus, Stanleya pinnata and Neptunia amplexicaulis) are similar or contrasting, in order to infer the underlying physiological mechanisms. This study used synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) techniques to visualize the distribution of selenium and other elements in fresh hydrated plant tissues of A. racemosus, S. pinnata and N. amplexicaulis. Selenium distribution differed widely in the three species: in the leaves of A. racemosus and N. amplexicaulis selenium was mainly concentrated in the pulvini, whereas in S. pinnata it was primarilylocalized in the leaf margins. In the roots and stems of all three species, selenium was absent in xylem cells, whereas it was particularly concentrated in the pith rays of S. pinnata and in the phloem cells of A. racemosus and N. amplexicaulis. This study shows that Astragalus, Stanleya and Neptunia have different selenium-handling physiologies, with different mechanisms for translocation and storage of excess selenium. Important dissimilarities among the three analysed species suggest that selenium hyperaccumulation has probably evolved multiple times over under similar environmental pressures in the US and Australia.

Severity of Hepatocyte Damage and Prognosis in Cirrhotic Patients Correlate with Hepatocyte Magnesium Depletion.

We aimed to evaluate the magnesium content in human cirrhotic liver and its correlation with serum AST levels, expression of hepatocellular injury, and MELDNa prognostic score. In liver biopsies obtained at liver transplantation, we measured the magnesium content in liver tissue in 27 cirrhotic patients (CIRs) and 16 deceased donors with healthy liver (CTRLs) by atomic absorption spectrometry and within hepatocytes of 15 CIRs using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy. In 31 CIRs and 10 CTRLs, we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression in hepatocytes of the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), a magnesium influx chanzyme also involved in inflammation. CIRs showed a lower hepatic magnesium content (117.2 (IQR 110.5-132.9) vs. 162.8 (IQR 155.9-169.8) μg/g; p < 0.001) and a higher percentage of TRPM7 positive hepatocytes (53.0 (IQR 36.8-62.0) vs. 20.7 (10.7-32.8)%; p < 0.001) than CTRLs. In CIRs, MELDNa and serum AST at transplant correlated: (a) inversely with the magnesium content both in liver tissue and hepatocytes; and (b) directly with the percentage of hepatocytes stained intensely for TRPM7. The latter also directly correlated with the worsening of MELDNa at transplant compared to waitlisting. Magnesium depletion and overexpression of its influx chanzyme TRPM7 in hepatocytes are associated with severity of hepatocyte injury and prognosis in cirrhosis. These data represent the pathophysiological basis for a possible beneficial effect of magnesium supplementation in cirrhotic patients.

B.1 Imaging metabolic changes in white matter following ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke onset in an animal model

Background: What matter (WM) is particularly sensitive to ischemia and WM changes are observed following onset of ischemic stroke as well as during expansion of the stroke lesion. To better correlate neurobehavioural and functional assessments in our models we have developed imaging methods to aid in the differentiation and quantification of WM injury. Methods: We employ 3 mouse models of stroke: photothrombotic, temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Naïve controls and surgical shams (for each model) are also characterized. We use Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) to visualize metabolites and elemental markers, respectively. These post-mortem imaging techniques are combined with conventional histology to confirm neuroanatomic features and cell types. Results: The metabolic profile of WM in naïve, sham, and stroke models has been characterized in C57BL/6 mice. The metabolic markers we identify are highly specific and enable the automated differentiation of WM from other tissues. Our methods have been re-tooled to identify degeneration and injury of WM regions. Conclusions: The combination of FTIR imaging and XFM afford the means to readily differentiate WM changes following stroke onset. Significant dysregulation can be observed before the core or penumbra of the stroke lesion reaches WM-containing regions.

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy mapping the ionome of a toxic freshwater cyanobacterium

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a major environmental concern across the globe. In abundance, cyanobacteria, or so-called green-blue algae can produce extremely dangerous cyanotoxins that harm humans and animals. This study focused on the mapping and distribution of intracellular macro-and micronutrients of the wide-spread freshwater cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa). Towards a better understanding of trace metal uptake and homeostasis throughout the cell cycle, we quantitatively mapped the spatial distribution of the elements P, K, Fe, Ca, Zn, Mn, and Cu across the ultrastructure of frozen-hydrated single cells using state-of-the-art X-ray nanofluorescence imaging at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. Bulk cellular nutrient and trace metal content correlated well with the total intracellular elemental content in individual cells obtained by quantitative synchrotron X-ray fluorescence measurements. Multi-dimensional mappings showed P and K atoms colocalized as discrete semicircular hotspots that were analyzed with respect to their stoichiometry. Elevated Cu and Ca concentrations were detected along division plane of cells. P and K were found to have similar spatial elemental distribution with about 65% and 69% of the total cellular P and K, respectively, located at the hotspots. The P and K colocalization were refined further using nanotomography, showing a K envelope surrounding the P core. Inorganic P and organic P compounds were specified using solution-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy from M. aeruginosa. Of the total extracted P determined by 31P NMR spectroscopy, 47% were found to be nucleotides while only 11% were polyphosphates. Multimodal X-ray imaging provides a better understanding of intracellular biochemical processes in cyanobacteria, helping us monitor and combat an emerging environmental threat.

Vanadium Speciation in Ancient Shales Revealed through Synchrotron-Based X-ray Spectroscopy

Redox-sensitive trace elements, such as vanadium, are frequently used as paleoredox proxies to infer the redox status of ancient marine depositional environments. When applied to vanadium, this approach relies on an accurate understanding of vanadium geochemistry in marine sediments. This, in turn, requires the application of analytical techniques capable of providing reliable chemical information on vanadium host phases of vanadium and thus the ability to distinguish authigenic from detrital phases. The increasing availability of synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopic techniques capable of providing chemical speciation information at both the bulk and micro-scale presents an opportunity to refine our understanding of vanadium geochemistry in ancient marine sediments. Here, we show the utility of synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and scanning X-ray fluorescence microscopy (SXFM) for investigating vanadium host phases in ancient marine sediments. The studied samples from the 1400 Ma Xiamaling Formation came from strongly contrasting depositional settings (ranging from oxic to euxinic) with a wide range of vanadium enrichments (enrichment factors from 0.7 to 9.6), yet vanadium speciation determined by XANES was consistently found to be phyllosilicate-hosted vanadium (III). High-resolution elemental imaging by SXFM coupled with global statistical colocalization analyses revealed strong associations between vanadium and potassium, consistent with vanadium hosted by potassium-rich clay minerals. These findings, while demonstrating the power of synchrotron-based X-ray methods, imply that differentiating authigenic and detrital vanadium in ancient marine sediments is unlikely to be possible given that post-depositional processes result in similar chemical speciation for both fractions. This will also limit the reliability of vanadium isotope system studies that depend on differentiating authigenic and detrital fractions using selective extraction procedures.

Visualizing Metal Distribution in Plants Using Synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques.

Recent improvements in synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) microscopy established it as an advanced analytical tool for analyzing 2D- and 3D distribution of mineral elements in plants. Among existing imaging techniques, SXRF microscopy offers several unique capabilities, including in situ metal quantification in plant tissues and high sensitivity, as low as 1mgkg-1, at the nanoscale spatial resolution. SXRF is increasingly utilized in different plant science disciplines to provide a fundamental understanding of metal homeostasis, and the function of trace elements in plant metabolism and development. Here, we describe methods for SXRF imaging, including sample preparation, the optimization of conventional SXRF for analyzing trace elements, and the development of confocal SXRF (C-SXRF).

Detention and mapping of iron and toxic environmental elements in human ovarian endometriosis: A suggested combined role

BackgroundEndometriosis is a disease affecting 10–15 % of women worldwide, consisting in the ectopic growth of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity.Whist the pathogenetic mechanisms of endometriosis remain elusive and contemplating even environmental causes, iron deposits are common in endometrial lesions, indicating an altered iron metabolism at this level. This study was undertaken to reveal a possible relationship between iron dysmetabolism and accumulation of environmental metals. MethodsBy combining histological and histochemical analysis (H&E and Perl's staining) with μ- and nano- synchrotron-based (SR-based) X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy, we investigated the distribution of iron and other elements in the ovarian endometriomas of 12 endometriosis patients and in 7 healthy endometrium samples. ResultsXRF microscopy expanded the findings obtained by Perl's staining, revealing with an exceptional sensitivity intracellular features of iron accumulation in the epithelial endometrium, stroma and macrophages of the endometriotic lesions. XRF evidenced that iron was specifically accumulated in multiple micro aggregates, reaching concentrations up to 10–20 % p/p. Moreover, by XRF analysis we revealed for the first time the retention of a number of exogenous and potentially toxic metals such as Pb, Br, Ti, Al Cr, Si and Rb partially or totally co-localizing with iron. ConclusionμXRF reveals accumulation and colocalization of iron and environmental metals in human ovarian endometriosis, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Microbially influenced tungsten mobilization and formation of secondary minerals in wolframite tailings

Wolframite [(Fe,Mn)WO4] tailings represent a hazardous waste that can pose a threat to the environment, humans, animals and plants. The present study aims to conduct a high-resolution depth profile characterization of wolframite tailings from Wolfram Camp, North Queensland, Australia, to understand the biogeochemical influences on W mobilization. Several indigenous Fe- and S-oxidizing bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae and Thiomonas delicata) in wolframite tailings were found highly associated with W, As, and rare earth elements. Biooxidation of metal sulfides, i.e., pyrite, molybdenite and bismuthinite, produced sulfuric acid, which accelerated the weathering of wolframite, mobilizing tungstate (WO42-). Using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and W L-edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (µ-XANES) analysis, wolframite was initially transformed into Na- and Bi- tungstate as well as tungstic acid (partial weathering) followed by the formation of Ga- and Zn- tungstate after extensive weathering, i.e., the wolframite had disappeared. While W (VI) was the major W species in wolframite tailings, minor W(0) and W(II), and trace W(IV) were also detected. The major contaminant in the Wolfram Camp tailings was As. Though wolframite tailings are hazardous waste, the toxicity of W was unclear. Tungsten waste still has industrial value; apart from using them as substitution material for cement and glass production, there is interest in reprocessing W waste for valuable metal recovery. If the environmental benefits are taken into consideration, i.e., preventing the release of toxic metals into surrounding waterways, reprocessing may be economic.

Cellular-level distribution of manganese in Macadamia integrifolia, M. ternifolia, and M. tetraphylla from Australia.

Macadamia integrifolia and M. tetraphylla, unlike M. ternifolia, are known for their edible nuts. All three species over-accumulate the trace metal nutrient manganese (Mn) in their shoots. This study seeks to examine tissue- and cellular-level distribution of Mn and other plant nutrients in the three Macadamia species. The distribution of Mn, calcium, iron, and potassium were investigated in whole leaves and cross-sections of roots, petioles, and leaves using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) in M. integrifolia, M. tetraphylla, and M. ternifolia. The results show Mn sequestration primarily in the leaf and midrib palisade mesophyll cells of all three species. Leaf interveinal regions, root cortical cells, and phloem cells were also found to be Mn loaded. The current study confirms earlier findings but further reveals that Mn is concentrated in the vacuoles of mesophyll cells owing to the exceptional resolution of the synchrotron XFM data, and the fact that fresh hydrated samples were used. New insights gained here into Mn compartmentalization in these highly Mn-tolerant Macadamias expand knowledge about potentially toxic over-accumulation of an essential micronutrient, which ultimately stands to inform strategies around farming edible species in particular.

Formation of a Secondary Phase in Thermally Evaporated MAPbI3 and Its Effects on Solar Cell Performance.

Thermal evaporation is a promising deposition technique to scale up perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to large areas, but the lack of understanding of the mechanisms that lead to high-quality evaporated methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) films gives rise to devices with efficiencies lower than those obtained by spin coating. This work investigates the crystalline properties of MAPbI3 deposited by the thermal coevaporation of PbI2 and MAI, where the MAI evaporation rate is controlled by setting different temperatures for the MAI source and the PbI2 deposition rate is controlled with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Using grazing incident wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), we identify the formation of a secondary orthorhombic phase (with a Pnma space group) that appears at MAI source temperatures below 155 °C. With synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopy, we show that the changes in crystalline phases are not necessarily due to changes in stoichiometry. The films show a stochiometric composition when the MAI source is heated between 140 to 155 °C, and the samples become slightly MAI rich at 165 °C. Increasing the MAI temperature beyond 165 °C introduces an excess of MAI in the film, which promotes the formation of films with low crystallinity that contain low-dimensional perovskites. When they are incorporated in solar cells, the films deposited at 165 °C result in the champion power conversion efficiency, although the presence of a small amount of low-dimensional perovskite may lead to a lower open-circuit voltage. We hypothesize that the formation of secondary phases in evaporated films limits the performance of PSCs and that their formation can be suppressed by controlling the MAI source temperature, bringing the film toward a phase-pure tetragonal structure. Control of the phases during perovskite evaporation is therefore crucial to obtain high-performance solar cells.

Contrasting nickel and manganese accumulation and localization in New Caledonian Cunoniaceae

PurposeThe Cunoniaceae are a major component of the New Caledonian flora with 91 endemic species that are highly unusual in that multiple metals are hyperaccumulated in different species. This makes it an ideal model system for studying the nature of the hyperaccumulation phenomenon.MethodsX-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) scanning of all herbarium collections of the Cunoniaceae was undertaken at the Herbarium of New Caledonia to reveal incidences of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn) accumulation. Following on, the Mn hyperaccumulating P. reticulata and the Ni hyperaccumulating P. xaragurensis were selected for detailed follow-up investigations using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM).ResultsThe systematic XRF screening of herbarium specimens showed that numerous species have high foliar Mn and Ni with species either accumulating Ni or Mn, but not both elements simultaneously. Soil ‘extractable’ Mn and Ni concentrations associated with Pancheria reticulata and P. xaragurensis greatly varies between the species. The XFM data shows that P. reticulata has a distinctive distribution pattern with Mn concentrated in large hypodermal cells. This contrasts with P. xaragurensis where Ni was mainly localized in and around the epidermis, and hypodermal cells were not observed.ConclusionsManganese and Ni accumulation are differently localized in Pancheria species growing on ultramafic soils, which is not explained by contrasting soils conditions, but represents different ecophysiological adaptations.

Tandem Probe Analysis Mode for Synchrotron XFM: Doubling Throughput Capacity.

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) analysis is a powerful technique that can be used to visualize elemental distributions across a broad range of sample types. Compared to conventional mapping techniques such as laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or benchtop XFM, synchrotron-based XFM provides faster and more sensitive analyses. However, access to synchrotron XFM beamlines is highly competitive, and as a result, these beamlines are often oversubscribed. Therefore, XFM experiments that require many large samples to be scanned can penalize beamline throughput. Our study was largely driven by the need to scan large gels (170 cm2) using XFM without decreasing beamline throughput. We describe a novel approach for acquiring two sets of XFM data using two fluorescence detectors in tandem; essentially performing two separate experiments simultaneously. We measured the effects of tandem scanning on beam quality by analyzing a range of contrasting samples downstream while simultaneously scanning different gel materials upstream. The upstream gels were thin (<200 μm) diffusive gradients in thin-film (DGT) binding gels. DGTs are passive samplers that are deployed in water, soil, and sediment to measure the concentration and distribution of potentially bioavailable nutrients and contaminants. When deployed on soil, DGTs are typically small (2.5 cm2), so we developed large DGTs (170 cm2), which can be used to provide extensive maps to visualize the diffusion of fertilizers in soil. Of the DGT gel materials tested (bis-acrylamide, polyacrylamide, and polyurethane), polyurethane gels were most suitable for XFM analysis, having favorable handling, drying, and analytical properties. This gel type enabled quantitative (>99%) transmittance with minimal (<3%) flux variation during raster scanning, whereas the other gels had a substantial effect on the beam focus. For the first time, we have (1) used XFM for mapping analytes in large DGTs and (2) developed a tandem probe analysis mode for synchrotron-based XFM, effectively doubling throughput. The novel tandem probe analysis mode described here is of broad applicability across many XFM beamlines as it could be used for future experiments where any uniform, highly transmissive sample could be analyzed upstream in the “background” of downstream samples.

Translocation of Foliar Absorbed Zn in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Leaves.

Foliar zinc (Zn) fertilization is an important approach for overcoming crop Zn deficiency, yet little is known regarding the subsequent translocation of this foliar-applied Zn. Using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and transcriptome analysis, the present study examined the translocation of foliar absorbed Zn in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) leaves. Although bulk analyses showed that there had been minimal translocation of the absorbed Zn out of the leaf within 7 days, in situ analyses showed that the distribution of Zn in the leaf had changed with time. Specifically, when Zn was applied to the leaf for 0.5 h and then removed, Zn primarily accumulated within the upper and lower epidermal layers (when examined after 3 h), but when examined after 24 h, the Zn had moved to the vascular tissues. Transcriptome analyses identified a range of genes involved in stress response, cell wall reinforcement, and binding that were initially upregulated following foliar Zn application, whereas they were downregulated after 24 h. These observations suggest that foliar Zn application caused rapid stress to the leaf, with the initial Zn accumulation in the epidermis as a detoxification strategy, but once this stress decreased, Zn was then moved to the vascular tissues. Overall, this study has shown that despite foliar Zn application causing rapid stress to the leaf and that most of the Zn stayed within the leaf over 7 days, the distribution of Zn in the leaf had changed, with Zn mostly located in the vascular tissues 24 h after the Zn had been applied. Not only do the data presented herein provide new insight for improving the efficiency of foliar Zn fertilizers, but our approach of combining XFM with a transcriptome methodological system provides a novel approach for the study of element translocation in plants.

Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy Mapping the Ionome of a Toxic Freshwater Cyanobacterium

Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy Mapping the Ionome of a Toxic Freshwater Cyanobacterium