Quantitative Analysis of the Detection Limits for Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Abstract
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid remote measurement method for detection of metals in the environment. A major factor in the quantitative use of this technique involves the minimum detection limits under both laboratory and field operations. Research on limits of detection of heavy metals in different types of soils under various conditions using LIBS has been carried out under Contract DACA39-95-K-0053. Pulses from a Nd:YAG laser operating at 125 mJ at lambda = 1.06 micrometers are focused on sample surfaces to produce laser sparks (plasmas). Atomic emissions from the plasmas are recorded using an optical multichannel analyzer after delays of a few microseconds when interference from broad-band emissions is reduced. Research has been performed on the detection limits of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, and zinc in soil matrices. Results are reported on the lower detection limits of these six elements in sand, silt, clay, and kaolin matrices. Detection limits are significantly lower for heavy metals in sand matrices than silt and clay matrices due to differences between surface and volume contamination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328435
Entities
People
- Dana E. Poulain
- Dennis R. Alexander
Organizations
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln