Trace elements in termites by PIXE analysis

Trace elements in a Japanese subterranean xylophagous termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were analyzed by the PIXE method. The total amount of the 14 predominant elements out of 27 detected in an intact termite was higher in a soldier termite (23 000 mug/g) than in a worker termite (10 000 mug/g). A block of wood (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) for termite feed had a much lower concentration (3600 mug/g) compared with that in an intact termite. This probably relates the functional bio-condensation and/or bio-recycling of trace elements in C formosanus, When a termite was separated into three anatomical parts, head, degutted body and gut, the worker gut contained the highest total amount of the 14 predominant measured elements (31 000 mug/g). This might be correlated with the higher activity of food digestion and energy production in the worker gut. Moreover. the mandible of the soldier head, with an exoskeleton that is intensely hardened. showed a preferential distribution of Mn and Fe, These results Suggest that the characteristic localization of elements will be closely related to the functional role of the individual anatomical part of C. formosanus. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.