CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICULATE MATTER USING SYNCHROTRON-RADIATION

First results from a new program for chemical characterization of envi ronmental particulates using synchrotron radiation are described. Trac e element concentrations and chemical state determinations were made o n fly ash samples from lignite-fired power stations. The experiments w ere based on the use of x-rays produced by an electron beam passing a bending magnet at the Brookhaven National Synchrotron Light Source. Th e high brilliance, energy tunability and almost complete polarization of the x-rays were used as the basis of a versatile x-ray microscope ( XRM) at the X26 beam line. Mossbauer spectroscopy was employed as a co mplementary method for determination of the compounds in the iron-cont aining fly ash particles. The results demonstrate the practicality and strengths of using the synchrotron XRM for measurements of trace elem ents in fly ash particles and for the determination of oxidation state s using x-ray absorption near-edge structure.