Synchrotron science for sustainability: life cycle of metals in the environment

The movement of metals through the environment links together a wide range of scientific fields: from earth sciences and geology as weathering releases minerals; to environmental sciences as metals are mobilized and transformed, cycling through soil and water; to biology as living things take up metals from their surroundings. Studies of these fundamental processes all require quantitative analysis of metal concentrations, locations, and chemical states. Synchrotron X-ray tools can address these requirements with high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, and minimal sample preparation. This perspective describes the state of fundamental scientific questions in the lifecycle of metals, from rocks to ecosystems, from soils to plants, and from environment to animals. Key X-ray capabilities and facility infrastructure for future synchrotron-based analytical resources serving these areas are summarized, and potential opportunities for future experiments are explored.

Automated summary

The movement of metals through the environment links together various scientific fields and requires quantitative analysis of metal concentrations, locations, and chemical states. Synchrotron X-ray tools with high sensitivity and spatial resolution can address these requirements. This article describes the state of scientific questions regarding the lifecycle of metals and summarizes key X-ray capabilities and facility infrastructure for future synchrotron-based analytical resources, as well as exploring potential opportunities for future experiments.