Scaling up: Fulfilling the promise of X-ray microprobe for biogeochemical research

Biogeochemists measure and model fluxes of materials among environmental compartments, often considering large spatial-scales within and among ecosystems. However, critical biogeochemical processes occur at fine-spatial scales, and quantifying these processes is a challenge. Recent developments in microprobe X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data collection and analysis allow for micro-scale observations and quantification of chemical species at the sample-level. These speciation mapping methods create datasets that can be integrated with bulk observations through empirical and theoretical modelling. Speciation mapping approaches are possible with existing instrumentation, but the widespread application to biogeochemical research is hindered by the small number of instruments currently available. Journal compilation