title: Novel technique for internal structure and elemental distribution analyses of granular sludge from reactors for wastewater treatment.
abstract: A novel technique for internal structure and elemental distribution analyses of granular sludge is presented. Sludge samples were freeze-dried and embedded in epoxy resin to form a module, which were then ground and polished to obtain sequential cross-sections. The cross-sections were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). SEM observations showed that one granule was formed having several cores with different inorganic minerals, rather than a single core. EDX results indicate that the main elements of the granules are O, Ca, Mg, and P. In addition, the distribution areas of calcium and magnesium in the granule do not coincide.
authors.affiliation: National Engineering Laboratory for Hydrometallurgical Cleaner Production Technology, P.O. Box 353, Beijing, 100190, China.
authors.forename: Xiaolei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Hongbin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Yuxing
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sheng
authors.forename: Haixia
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: You
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D004602:Elements; D005612:Freeze Drying; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008867:Microtomy; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D062065:Wastewater / Q000737:chemistry*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004602:Elements; D012722:Sewage; D062065:Wastewater