Development of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Detection of Metal Contaminants in Soils.

Abstract

This technical report covers 3 years of research done in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) at the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station by the Environmental Sensing Branch (ESB). LIBS was used and evaluated as a sensing technique for detection of heavy metal contaminants in soils. The primary heavy metals studied were lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury, and zinc in soils. Topics addressed in the report include detection limits for these metals in sand, experimental setup, experimental considerations, and many observations of the plasma behavior under laboratory conditions. Conducted as an effort of ESB to provide new technology for detection of environmental contaminants, LIBS has demonstrated potential as a very effective sensor. LIBS is expected to be used as a screening sensor and interface with the Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System truck.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA311024

Entities

People

  • Brian H. Miles
  • Ernesto R. Cespedes
  • Javier Cortés

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Data Acquisition
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Elements
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Heavy Metals
  • Instrumentation
  • Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
  • Lasers
  • Metals
  • Optical Detection
  • Optical Detectors
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy