Development of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Detection of MetalContaminants in Soils

摘要

This technical report covers 3 years of research done in Laser-Induced BreakdownSpectroscopy (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.