Synchrotron radiation techniques for soil analysis: a review of basics and methods.

Resumen

Objective: The objective of this work is to present the basics of synchrotron radiation and the fundamentals of some synchrotron-based analytical techniques useful in soil research.

Approach: Synchrotron radiation has revolutionized all areas of human activities. The unique opportunities that synchrotron-based analytical tools offer to vast research areas in the natural sciences is relatively unknown in Mexico and Latin America, with the notable exception of Brazil. This review offers a brief introduction to the principle of operation of a synchrotron radiation facility, its main components and some spectroscopic tools which can be applied to research on soils. We aim to motivate the reader and the researcher on soils to consider the inclusion of synchrotron-based techniques in his/her research activities.

Limitations on study/implications: Synchrotron-based analytical tools offer the possibility of performing analysis at the nanometric scale with elemental sensibility, chemical state (though charge) and orbital selectivity. Other key points of these techniques are the low volume of sample required and the nondestructive nature of the probes, which allow to correlate chemical composition, structure, and physicochemical properties of soils at a very detailed and fundamental level.

Conclusions: Soils are fundamental for the sustainable development of humanity. Regardless of the specific area of soil research in question (composition, fertility, productivity, pollution, remediation), it is possible and desirable to consider the application of synchrotron based spectro-microscopic analytical tools to deepen and broaden our current understanding on any specific topic related to soil science.