Real-time detection of hazardous elements in sand and soils

摘要

A new method for real-time analysis of hazardous elements in sand and soils has been investigated. The method is based on laser plasma generation and time-resolved spectroscopy. Almost no sample preparation is needed and simultaneous multielemental analysis is possible. The data collection step takes only a few seconds, and the computer analysis and evaluation is carried out within minutes. The method has been tested for analysis of heavy metals in a variety of soil matrices. Good calibration plots have been obtained, with detection limits of ca. 10 ppm. An expert system has been developed for data analysis. The multivariate calibration model has been based on principle component regression technique in order to compensate for possible spectral interferences and some of the matrix effects.