Enhancing the study of plant root and soil interactions using radiocontrast agents in X-ray computed tomography imaging

Abstract

X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique now commonly employed for imaging plant and soil systems. In particular it is increasingly being utilised to capture plant root/ soil structures, in place of traditional destructive dissection techniques. One of the major challengesin the use of the technology is the similar X-ray attenuation characteristics of plant roots and soil-water which results in a low contrast to noise ratio between these materials - particularly when imaging larger soil samples. Where similar issues of poor contrast occur within biomedical imaging, these issues are overcome with the use of radiocontrast agents (solutions or suspensions containing elements with high X-ray attenuation characteristics). The aim of the research presented in this thesis is to investigate novel strategies for the application of various contrast agents in order to enhance the study of plant and soil structures and to then use contrast agents in innovative applications to capture the movement of solutes through soil and roots. I begin with a review of the current literature, determining the key requirements of contrast agents for imaging biological tissues: minimal toxicity, low reactivity, ... (continues)

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