Abstract's Details

Applications of Synchrotron Based X-ray Microprobe Techniques in Environmental Earth Science
Abstract ID	W:MICRO-11
Presenter	Yuji Arai
Presentation Type	Microfocusing Workshop
Full Author List	Y. Arai (1)
Affiliations	(1) Clemson University
Category	Environmental Science
Abstract	Many synchrotron based X-ray techniques allow us to investigate the atomic- or molecular-scale structure of inorganic contaminants in heterogeneous environments like soils. Synchrotron based analytical techniques with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, such as microfocused (µ)-XRF, -XAS, and -XRD, can provide significant insight in determining the solid-state speciation of toxicants in geomedia. Identification of this speciation, which can encompass determination of oxidation states, precipitates, and adsorption complexes, is one of most important factors controlling dissolved metal(loid) concentrations in surface and ground waters. An understanding of the spatial variability of contaminant speciation is important in interpreting the macro- to field-scale processes relevant to development of in-situ remediation technologies. In this talk, applications of µ-XRF,-XAS, and -XRD measurements in environmental earth science research will be discussed using case studies including bulk and spatially resolved arsenic and uranium speciation in contaminated soils and vadose zone sediments, determined through use of the IFEFFIT engine-based interface, SixPACK, and Microprobe Analysis Kit. Additionally, some important information about ideal sample preparation methods for synchrotron based X-ray microprobe analysis, as well as comparisons of X-ray microprobe data at different microprobe beam lines in the US, will be discussed.
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Funding Acknowledgement