Direct Chemical Speciation Using Synchrotron Based Techniques. Applications to Characterize
Environmental and Biomaterials Samples.

                                          Manuel Valiente

              Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Department of Chemistry. Centre GTS.

                                08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain


In process characterization of biomaterials and environmental samples, preparation of samples not
always respects the original form of chemical species. Methodologies for direct speciation will
overcome such problem and also validate results obtained by most conventional indirect speciation.

Based on the unique characteristics of Synchrotron light, related analytical techniques offer a
range of possibilities including spectacular spectral definition that will make possible
determination of complex mixtures by direct observation. Besides, distribution and mapping of
chemical species on target samples contribute to best understanding of systems properties and
behaviour.

Examples of samples characterization developed at different Synchrotron facilities will illustrate
some of the possibilities of the related techniques.