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Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Two-Dimensional Visualization and Quantification of Labile, Inorganic Plant Nutrients and Contaminants in Soil
Published on: September 1, 2020
Visualizing the distribution of elements within barley leaves by energy dispersive X-ray image maps (EDX maps)
M L Williams1, B J Thomas2, J F Farrar1
1School of Biological Sciences, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, LLS1 2UW, UK.
Abstract:
X-ray image maps of transverse sections of barley leaf blades were compared with individual X-ray emission spectra from vacuoles of barley leaf mesophyll, epidermis and parenchymatous bundle sheath cells. Both forms of X-ray analysis revealed distinct patterns in element distribution within the leaf blade. Calcium and Cl predominated within the epidermal cell vacuoles whilst P appeared mainly in the mesophyll cell layer. Apparent accumulation of S and Mg within the bundle sheath cell vacuoles is discussed in relation to xylem unloading and sulphur assimilation.
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