Abstract
A soil with a high organic content, a calcaric phaeozem, has been imaged in a hydrated state using the Stony Brook scanning transmission X-ray microscope at the NSLS, Brookhaven, USA. This experiment has been performed at the carbon K absorption edge to determine the distribution of organic matter within this soil. Spectromicroscopic methods using the known spectra of humics are helping to distinguish between different kinds of carbon in the sample. In addition, a marsh soil from Northern Germany has been analyzed at the sulfur K-absorption edge with the scanning X-ray microscope at the ESRF (ID 21), Grenoble, France. This soil contains a variety of sulfur containing components, which are attached to the soil colloids. A major source of these components is the microbial activity. In this soil it is possible to identify spectroscopically amino acids like methionin and cysteine and proteins, which are built up from those molecules, and inorganic components like sulfates and sulfides.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
