Over the past 20 years, synchrotron-based research applications have provided important insight into the geochemical cycling of ions and the chemical and crystallographic properties of minerals in soils and sediments. Of particular significance is the understanding of local coordination environments with the use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The high flux and brightness of the X-ray beams have allowed researchers to work at environmentally relevant concentrations. The use of focusing mirrors and apertures which allow for mapping and trace particle surfaces, microbes, roots, channels and elements at the micron and at a nano-meter scale in 2 and 3D have also been a great enhancement to science.
This book provides the most up-to-date information on synchrotron-based research applications in the field of soil, sediment and earth sciences. Invited authors provide chapters on a wide range of research topics including multiphase flow and transport processes (physical aspects), rhizosphere and microbial life (biological aspects), and dynamics of C, N, S, P and heavy metals and metalloids (chemical aspects). In addition, perspectives on the impact of synchrotron based applications, particularly X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and the role of synchrotron applications in remediation, regulatory, and decision making processes are considered.

• Up-to-date, with the latest research results and techniques in synchrotron-based techniques
• Information on specific techniques, elements and minerals, regulatory and remediation decision making, contaminants and the impact of X-ray absorption spectroscopy on soil science
• Internationally recognized leaders in their fields of expertise from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia

Chapter 1 The Impacts of X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy on Understanding Soil Processes and Reaction Mechanisms
Chapter 2 Practical Application of Synchrotron-Based Hard X-Ray Microprobes in Soil Sciences
Chapter 3 Applications of Microtomography in Soils and Sediments
Chapter 4 Synchrotron Infrared Spectromicroscopy for Studying Chemistry of Microbial Activity in Geologic Materials
Chapter 5 Application of Extended X-Ray Emission Fine Structure Spectroscopy in Soil and Sediments
Chapter 6 Role of Synchrotron Techniques in USEPA Regulatory and Remediation Decisions
Chapter 7 The Rhizosphere: A Synchrotron-Based View of Nutrient Flow in the Root Zone
Chapter 8 Applications of Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Diffraction and X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy to the Understanding of Poorly Crystalline and Metal-Substituted Iron Oxides
Chapter 9 Nitrogen Compounds in Dissolved and Solid Environmental Samples
Chapter 10 Organic Carbon Chemistry in Soils Observed by Synchrotron-Based Spectroscopy
Chapter 11 Macroscale Chemical Properties and X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Soil Phosphorus
Chapter 12 Arsenic Chemistry in Soils and Sediments
Chapter 13 Mercury Biogeochemistry in Soils and Sediments
Chapter 14 Uranium Chemistry in Soils and Sediments
Index