Abstract Detail

Mycological Section

Trebelcock, William [1], Sharpe, Joshua [2], Wixom, Alex [3], Wangeline, Chad [4], Wangeline, Ami [1].

Using SEM-EDS to examine crystal formation and composition in selenophilic fungi.

Filamentous fungi from the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Alternaria harvested from the rhizosphere of selenium (Se) hyperaccumulating plants have previously demonstrated hyperaccumulating and volatilizing capabilities. Further, when some fungi were grown in the presence of large quantities of Se a strong red hue developed in the fungal colony or growth media suggestive of the presence of crystalline elemental selenium. Two allotropic forms of elemental selenium, alpha and beta cyclo-octaselenium are known to be red in color, and it was hypothesized that some of the fungi were reducing Se to its elemental form known to be less biologically available and therefore, less toxic. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were used to provide photographic evidence and additional qualitative elemental analysis of crystalline structures found on hyphae, respectively. All fungi were found to produce crystals when grown in the presence of at least one of the oxoanionic forms of selenium provided (SeO₄^2- and SeO₃^2-). The EDS analysis of the crystal structures showed large variation in elemental composition between the different genera of fungi with Fusarium acuminatum showing both consistent crystal production and crystals with the highest Se content.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Laramie County Community College, Biology, 1400 E. College Drive, Cheyenne, WY, 82007, USA
2 - University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
3 - University of Idaho, 709 S. Deakin Street, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA
4 - University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th Street, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA

Keywords:
Selenium
Filamentous fungi
Crystals
SEM-EDS
Tolerance.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PMY004
Abstract ID:885
Candidate for Awards:None