Additional file 1.

Light microscopy acid-carbonate technique. The additional data file (LM acid-carbonate technique.wmv) is a light microscopy video demonstrating a simple acid test for determining the presence of carbonate within hydrated biofilms. By placing a small drop of dilute HCl on the edge of the cover slip the acid is drawn under and will react with any carbonate minerals present. The video shows extensive degassing of carbon dioxide being released from a biofilm that had no recognizable carbonate minerals. This technique is most useful for determining the presence of minuscule amounts of carbonate within a biofilm. For example, even sub-micron size particles of carbonate produced enough CO₂ to form a bubble that was visible using light microscopy. This is an inexpensive and simple technique that allows one to screen samples prior to using more advanced techniques such as scanning or transmission electron microscopy.

Format: WMV Size: 1.4MB Download file

Power et al. Geochemical Transactions 2007 8:13   doi:10.1186/1467-4866-8-13