External micro-PIXE analysis of Nd 3+ accumulation in Euglena gracilis

External micro-PIXE measurements were done to investigate the accumulation of Nd3+ on green algae species euglena gracilis. According to the Nd distribution patterns in the gracilis cells, the biosorption of Nd3+ to the cell’s compartments can be observed. Comparing elemental mappings of the cell treated with different doses of the 1 mg/mL Nd3+ solution, the Nd uptake of euglena gracilis cells do no relate with the doses. From distributions of Ca and Mg, it is found that the Ca is complementary to Nd partly, and the Nd and Mg distributions are alike to each other, showing that Nd may be mainly in the chlorophyll molecules. The biochemistry related is discussed.