Analysis of the composition and microstructure of a diatom frustule in mud on the coast of Boryeong-City, South Korea

Abstract

Abstract The microstructure of the frustule of diatoms contained in mud distributed along the coast of Boryeong-city, South Korea was observed with a scanning electron microscope, and its constituent elements were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. On scanning electron microscopy of the mud powder, diatom frustules were present together with clay minerals. On high-magnification scanning electron microscopy, the surface of frustules had circular pores of the same shape arranged at regular intervals. The size of the pores on the surface of these frustules was found to be about 1 μm. Also, in this study, the diatom shells present in the mud powder were observed in the form of pieces ranging in size from 3 ㎛ to 30 ㎛, and the thickness was found to be about 2.5 μm. Diatom frustules present in mud sediments were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. On analyzing the components of the frustule, Si, Al, Fe, K, Na, Mg, and Ti elements were detected. The main component of the frustule was the Si element, and its content was higher than that of other mud materials.