Scaling up: fulfilling the promise of X-ray microprobe for biogeochemical research
Brandy M. Toner A D , Sarah L. Nicholas A and Jill K. Coleman Wasik B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Land and Atmospheric Science Program, Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, St Paul, MN 55108, USA.
B Water Resources Science Department, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, St Paul, MN 55108, USA.
C St Croix Watershed Research Station, Science Museum of Minnesota, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047, USA.
D Corresponding author. Email: toner@umn.edu
Environmental Chemistry 11(1) 4-9 https://doi.org/10.1071/EN13162
Submitted: 16 May 2013 Accepted: 18 December 2013 Published: 19 February 2014
Environmental context. Although biogeochemical processes in the environment are often considered on large spatial scales, critical processes can occur at fine-spatial scales. Quantifying these processes is a challenge, but significant recent developments in microprobe X-ray absorption spectroscopy in terms of data collection and analysis greatly facilitate micro-scale observations at the sample-level. These mapping methods create datasets that can be integrated with bulk observations with the potential for widespread application to biogeochemical research.
Abstract. Biogeochemists measure and model fluxes of materials among environmental compartments, often considering large spatial-scales within and among ecosystems. However, critical biogeochemical processes occur at fine-spatial scales, and quantifying these processes is a challenge. Recent developments in microprobe X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data collection and analysis allow for micro-scale observations and quantification of chemical species at the sample-level. These speciation mapping methods create datasets that can be integrated with bulk observations through empirical and theoretical modelling. Speciation mapping approaches are possible with existing instrumentation, but the widespread application to biogeochemical research is hindered by the small number of instruments currently available.
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