Three vials of sample were received for analysis. A small portion of sample was retrieved with a
spatula and applied to a pure carbon stub for SEM examination. It is visible in the background of
images taken at 25x. Images were collected at 25x, 150x, and 500x. The 500x images
concentrated on the lighter material in the sample. X-ray spectra were collected at 150x and
500x. They are overlaid with each other and included below.
All three samples are all largely organic. The stub consists of pure carbon (Atomic Number=6)
and appears lighter than the sample in the 25x images. That indicates that the samples are of
lower average atomic number than the stub. Since the samples contain oxygen (AN=8), that can
only be possible if they also contain appreciable amounts of an element of a lower atomic
number, such as hydrogen (AN=1).
Light areas of sample contain a variety of elements consistent with biologicals. The samples
from Waterloo and Storm Lake contain relatively few light particles which are inorganic in
origin. The sample from the Holding Tank contains far more light particles. Though not included
here, a cursory analysis showed most of those particles to be calcite (CaCO3) along with some
dolomite (MgCa(CO3)2) and silicates.
In summary, the material is largely organic. SEM and EDS is of little use in characterizing such
samples. The material showed no particular structure which would help identify the material. X-
ray spectra identified elements consistent with biological material. However, that only narrows it
down to a wide class of materials.
Red line : Waterloo 1-9-07 500x (1/16/2008 12:04)
Blue line : Waterloo 1-9-07 150x (1/16/2008 12:00)
Red line : Storm Lake 1-9-08 500x (1/16/2008 12:17)
Blue line : Storm Lake 1-9-08 150x (1/16/2008 12:12)
Red line : Holding Tank 500x (1/16/2008 12:27)
Blue line : Holding Tank 150x (1/16/2008 12:23)