Elemental Mapping of Biominerals in Microbial Mats

The hot springs in the Yellowstone National Park contain a diverse array of microbial life. The surfaces of the springs are covered in vibrant microbial mats, multilayered sheets of microorganisms which are an ecosystem in themselves. This community of microrganmisms is held together and protected by a biofilm matrix, forming a layered, mat-like structure. The elemental mapping of microbial mats provides a fascinating glimpse into an intricate ecosystem that thrives in extreme environments.

Here we investigate a microbial mat found in the Yellowstone hot springs, with a particular focus on the interaction between the biofilm matrix and diatoms. Diatoms are a type of algae with unique silica cell walls that play a crucial role in the mat's structure and function. 

Through detailed elemental mapping and analysis, made possible using the XFlash^® FlatQUAD detector, the formation and growth of calcium carbonate crystals within the microbial mat can be observed. This provides us with valuable information about microbial mat growth and maintainence, as well as how environmental conditions influence these processes. 

The XFlash^® FlatQUAD detector's unique design allows the inherent challenges associated with the elemental mapping of biological samples, such as beam sensitivity and the absence of sample preparation, to be overcome.  

Through detailed elemental mapping and analysis using the XFlash^® FlatQUAD detector the formation and growth of calcium carbonate crystals within the microbial mat can be observed. The analysis of these biogenic carbonates provides valuable insights into past climatic and environmental changes in the hot spring's unique microclimate. 

In the elemental maps silicon-based diatoms can be seen embedded into the microbial mat structure, helping us to develop understanding of their role in the mat's structure.