Microprobe analysis of 60Co uptake in sand microcosm

1. Microprobe analysis of fungal micro-communities in simple soil microcosms demonstrated the presence of several nutrient elements (Ca, K, P, S), and immobilization of the fission product 60Co in fungal spores. 2. The importance of soil microbes in element cycling is discusses. 3. The utility of the electron microprobe in providing more precise estimates of elements in microbes and their substrates is evaluated.