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

•Soil aggregates were studied by SEM-EDX hyperspectral data analysis.•Datamuncher Gamma software was implemented to manage SEM-EDX data cubes.•Soil phases were identified on the base of net element intensity correlations.•Aggregates of natural and anthropic origin were distinguished using element biplots.•The Cr/Fe ratio allowed to identify different types of polluted soil aggregates.