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: