Qualitative detection of Mg content in a leaf of hedera helix by using X-ray radiation from a laser plasma source

Reale, L.*; Lai, A.*; Sighicelli, M.*; Faenov, A. Y.; Pikuz, T.*; Flora, F.*; Zuppella, P.*; Limongi, T.*; Palladino, L.*; Poma, A.*; et al.

Microscopy Research and Technique, 71(6), p.459 - 468, 2008/06

https://doi.org/10.1002/jemt.20574

A method to reveal the presence of Mg content inside the different parts of leaves of Hedera helix is analyzed under X-ray radiation, obtained from a plasma source with a Mg target. We found that the green side of the leaf is highlighted. We may suppose that the reason why the X-rays from a Mg plasma source, allow us to pick up the green side is probably duet the greater presence of the amount of Mg (from chlorophyll or other complexes and/or salts) in the two sides, green and white, of the leaf.