Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for In-situ Detection of Heavy Metals in Soil

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a recently developed analytical technique that is based upon the measurement of emission lines generated by atomic species close to the surface of the sample, thus allowing their chemical detection, identification and quantification. With powerful advantages of LIBS compared to the conventional analytical methodology, this technique can be applied in the detection of heavy metals in the field. LIBS allows the rapid analysis by avoiding laborious chemical steps. LES have already been applied for the determination of element concentration in a wide range of materials in the solid, liquid and gaseous phase with simplicity of the instrument and diversity of the analytical application. These feasibility of rapid multi elemental analysis are appealing proprieties for the in-situ analytical technique in geochemical investigation, exploration and environmental analysis. There remain still some limitations to be solved for LIBS to be applied in soil environment as an in-situ analytical technology. We would like to provide the basic principle related to the plasma formation and laser-induced breakdown of sample materials. In addition, the matrix effect, laser properties and the various factors affecting on the analytical signal of LIBS was dealt with to enhance understanding of LIBS through literature review. Ultimately, it was investigated the feasibility of LIBS application in soil environment monitoring by considering the basic idea to enhance the data quality of LIBS including the calibration method for the various effects on the analytical signal of LIBS.