SEM-EDX hyperspectral data analysis for the study of soil aggregates

Scanning electron microscopy coupled with microanalysis (SEM-EDX) is an important analytical tool for the morphological and chemical characterization of different types materials. In many applications, SEM-EDX elemental maps are usually used processed as images, thus flattening reducing spectroscopic information contained in EDX hyperspectral data cubes. The exploitation full dataset could be indeed very useful study complex matrices like soil. order to maximize attainable by cubes analysis, software package “Datamuncher Gamma” was implemented applied soil aggregates. By using this approach, phases (silicates, aluminosilicates, Ca-carbonates, Ca-phosphates, organic matter, iron oxides) inside aggregates were successfully identified segmented. advantages method over common ROI imaging approach presented. Finally, compare a Cr-polluted understand their possible pedological history. present can analysis every type cubes, allowing its application samples fields study.