Using zone plates for X-ray microimaging and microspectroscopy in environmental science

Understanding the transport and ultimate fate of environmental contaminants is of fundamental importance for developing effective remediation strategi es and determining the risk associated with the contaminants. Focusing X-ra ys by using recently developed zone plates allows determination of the spat ial distribution and chemical speciation of contaminants at the micron and submicron length scales. This ability is essential for studying the microsc opic physical, geological, chemical, and biological interfaces that play a crucial role in determining contaminant fate and mobility. The following is an overview of some current problems in environmental science that are bei ng addressed with synchrotron-based X-ray microimaging and microspectroscop y.