The micrographs are taken from powder sample of the plant, Bacopa monnieri a medicinal herb. Powder is prepared from the sun dried leaf and stem. Major / minor elemental present in the herb are: Na, Mg, Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, and Fe were determined by EDS technique.
Thanks for your positive reply. Actually, we have taken our micrograph only in two magnification (500X, 1000X) as we expect we will compare the data with light and Fluorescence microscope studies. Also it is very difficult to carryout the total experiment again. We are interested in the white big patch (nearly spherical) body about 15 micro meter, in the micrograph (No. 1). We have confirmed the small elliptical body (4-6 micron) as in No. 8 are chloroplast. Please identify the No. 1, find attached herewith the micrographs
Hello Mallick,
I am not an specialist in the morphology and chemical composition of medicinal herbs, but according to other SEM micrographs I already observed, it seems that these structures may be Ca, P, or Na crystals. I would suggest to take images of these structures at much higher magnifications and perform a more localized EDS analysis.
Also, check carefully what are the overlapped characteristic transitions (similar peak positions) for the elements identified by EDS.
I don't know, but is it common to find Al and Fe in the plants? Be carefull, because the other elements may appear due to an unpropituous manipulation of the sample.
Do you have any information (previous publications) about the composition of these herb?
Probably you already searched on this link, if not, here is the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacopa_monnieri
You can do a search in the references cited on it.
I hope it will help.
Good luck !!!!
Alexandre Cunha
Thanks for your suggestions. We are not bothered about the elements, because we have taken PIXE (proton induced X-ray emission) for the estimation of elements. Plz find attached herewith some publications for your kind references. We are mainly concentrated on the 10-16 micro meter spherical body connected with fiber like things. They are related to plant cell compositions.
Hi Mallik
I think that N° 1 is calcite, it is its typical form.In N° 3 we can see a Mg crystals which are attacked by slightly acidic environment (presence of micropores). You should do a EDX analysis to give you idea to know the chemical elements
I hope it will help.
Good luck !!!!
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