Sem-Edxra Mesurements on Thin Sections of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Samples from Column Experiments

Abstract

Abstract Scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDXRA) were done on cutans around mineral grains. The cutans formed from leachates without fatty acids during column experiments. Various elements, amongst which heavy metals, were measured by SEM-EDXRA. Most of these were present in the original fluids used for percolation, but others originated in the column itself. The hardening of the heavy metal contaminated soil samples took several months longer than normal. SEM-EDXRA measurements of the soil materials in the thin sections allowed in situ solid chemical analysis on a micro-scale. Trace elements and elements lighter than carbon, cannot be measured with this technique. These are therefore not represented in the given figures with X-ray images and point analyses. To quantify trace elements and to analyse all chemical elements in thin sections of soils, ion microscopy (SIMS) is necessary.