The use of X-ray microanalysis to demonstrate the uptake of the molluscicide copper sulphate by slug eggs

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Abstract
Copper has been localized in copper sulphate treated eggs of the slug Agriolimax reticulatus (Mü). This has been accomplished using a freeze-fracture technique, the freeze-dried halves of the fractured eggs being analysed in the scanning electron microscope, using both energy dispersive and wavelength dispersive X-ray microanalysis systems. The distribution of copper obtained using these methods has been compared with that achieved using a standard histochemical technique. Both techniques revealed that the copper is initially retained in the perivitelline membranes. The application of X-ray microanalysis to such studies is discussed.