Optical and Atomic Force Microscopy for analysis of wet sediments from the Canale dei Navicelli LIFE...

LIFE 12 ENV IT 000652 Cleansed

Two methods

Analysis with Optical Microscopy (shape, size, granulometry)

Analysis with scanning probe by AFM (Atomic Force Microscope)

Optical Microscopy

Biological microscope with high-resolution (16 Mpixel) reflex on trinocular tube for digital imaging

Software:ImageJ (developed by the National Institute of Health): for quantitative analysis (real dimensions-pixel, particle counting)

Helicon Focus Pro: for image stacking (to increase the depth of field)

AFM Microscopy

Nanosurf Easyscan 2 MicroscopeScanning head: 110*110 micronMaximum Z range: 22 micronMaximum resolution: 2048*2048 pixel

Granulometry

The texture has great importance for the physical and biological properties of the soil

Classification (USDA):

oclay, diameter less than 2 micron osilt, diameter between 2 and 50 micronosand, between 50 micron and 2 mm.

Sample 1

Sample 3

Total counting: 4002

Total counting: 2005

Sample 5

Sample 7

Total counting: 2013

Total counting: 3442

Sample 1

Cyclotella Meneghiniana (Moder. Cont.) Cyclotella Meneghiniana (MC)

Staurastrum anatinum (MC)

Sample 1

Cyclotella Meneghiniana (MC) Melosira Varians (MC)

Navicula Rhyncotella (MC) Melosira Moniliformis (MC)

Sample 1

Melosira Moniliformis (MC) Cyclotella Meneghiniana (MC)

Cyclotella Meneghiniana (MC) Bacillaria Paxillifer (MC to HC)

Sample 1

AFM measurements of sedimentary rock composed by centric

Sample 1

AFM: trace of diatom (Nitzschia Acicularis (MC to HC))

Sample 3

Surirella Brebissonii (MC)

Nitschia Sublinearis (MC to HC) Gyrosigma Nodiferum (MC)

Sample 3

AFM: trace of diatom (Phase contrast)

Sample 3

AFM: trace of diatom

Sample 3

AFM: trace of diatom

Zoom at 45 micron

Sample 5

Sample 7

Fragilaria Acus (SC)

Fragilaria Acus (SC)

Sample 7

In some cases the AFM cantilever can displace a diatom:

Before:

After: