Matrix effects in the detection of Pb and Ba in soils using a laser plasma
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used for the semi-quantitative determination of Ba and Pb in sand and soil matrices. The detection limits in a sand matrix were 76 ppm (w/w) for Ba and 17 ppm for Pb with analytical precision better than 7% RSD. In soil, the detection limits were 63 ppm for Ba and 112 ppm for Pb with 10% RSD precision. In this study, three factors were found to influence Ba and Pb emissions: (1) compound speciation, where Ba emissions decreased in the order of sulfate > hydroxide > oxide > chloride > nitrate and where Pb emissions decreased in the order of oxide > carbonate > chloride > sulfide > nitrate, (2) bulk matrix composition (e.g. sample absorptivity at the laser wavelength, chemical composition), and (3) the presence of equimolar concentrations of Na, K, Cs (chloride salts), and Fe (elemental powder) in the sample. The analytical capabilities of the LIBS method determined here indicate that a field-based instrument would be useful for the environmental site characterization.
- OSTI ID:
- 191648
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941098--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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