Abstract: The sensitivity and applicability of the synchrotron radiation induced X-ray microfluorescence (mu-SRXRF) spectrometer at the Hamburg synchrotron laboratory Hasylab for the determination of the distribution of trace concentrations of rare-earth elements (REE) in fossilized bone are discussed and critically compared to those of other trace analytical methods such as instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and LAMP-ICPMS (laser ablation microprobe inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry). Measurements were carried out on two bone samples from contrasting terrestrial depositional environments at Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania). Results indicate that the microdistribution of the REE in these biological materials is not homogeneous and that the relative abundance of these elements can provide information on the palaeoenvironment during the fossilization process. The heterogeneous distribution of the REE can be determined in a quantitative and completely non-destructive manner provided the concentrations of individual REE are above 10 mu g/g.

Abstract: The performance of a combined microbeam X-ray fluorescence/X-ray powder diffraction (XRF/XRPD) measurement station at Hamburger Synchrotronstrahlungslabor (HASYLAB) Beamline L is discussed in comparison to that at European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) ID18F/ID22. The angular resolution in the X-ray diffractograms is documented when different combinations of X-ray source, optics and X-ray diffraction detectors are employed. Typical angular resolution values in the range 0.30.5° are obtained at the bending magnet source when a pink beam form of excitation is employed. A similar setup at European Synchrotron Radiation Facility beamlines ID18F and ID22 allows to reach angular resolution values of 0.10.15°. In order to document the possibilities and limitations for speciation of metals in environmental materials by means of Hamburger Synchrotronstrahlungslabor Beamline L X-ray fluorescence/X-ray powder diffraction setup, two case studies are discussed, one involved in the identification of the crystal phases in which heavy metals such as chromium, iron, barium and lead are present in polluted soils of an industrial site (Val Basento, Italy) and another involved in the speciation of uranium in depleted uranium particles (Ceja Mountains, Kosovo). In the former case, the angular resolution is sufficient to allow identification of most crystalline phases present while in the latter case, it is necessary to dispose of an angular resolution of ca. 0.2° to distinguish between different forms of oxidized uranium.