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Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopic and scanning electron microscopic study of cryptoendolithic lichens from Antarctica
Author(s) -
Edwards H. G. M.,
Russell N. C.,
WynnWilliams D. D.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of raman spectroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.748
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1097-4555
pISSN - 0377-0486
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4555(199709)28:9<685::aid-jrs160>3.0.co;2-x
Subject(s) - lichen , raman spectroscopy , scanning electron microscope , chemistry , calcium carbonate , leaching (pedology) , mineralogy , geology , materials science , botany , soil water , soil science , composite material , optics , physics , biology , organic chemistry
The Raman microscopic analysis of a cryptoendolithic lichen community in sandstone from East Beacon Ridge, Victoria Land, Antarctica, is described for the first time. The Raman spectra from the crustal, lichen, fungal and accumulation zones were used to assess the strategy adopted by the lichen community under environmentally stressed conditions. Calcium oxalate dihydrate was found only in the upper lichen zone, whereas calcium oxalate monohydrate was found distributed through several zones; this is ascribed to a microenvironmental temperature gradient. The leaching of iron oxide occurs from the crustal surface zone into the accumulation zone. In contradiction with earlier wet chemical destructive analyses of Antarctic cryptoendolithic communities, the presence of calcium carbonate was not confirmed in the lichen or fungal zones. The Raman spectroscopic results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopic x‐ray analysis. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.