Summary of - Optimization of different sampling approaches in liquid LIBS analysis for environmental applications

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Study Background: The research presented in "Optimization of different sampling approaches in liquid LIBS analysis for environmental applications" by Keerthi K, Sajan Daniel George, Joju G Sebastian, Anish Kumar Warrier, Santhosh Chidangil, and Unnikrishnan VK addresses the challenges of detecting ultra-low concentrations of trace elements in liquid samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS offers multi- and trace elemental analysis and real-time monitoring capabilities, but liquid sample analysis often suffers from issues like splashing and shorter plasma lifetimes, which decrease detection limits.

Research Goals and Hypotheses: The primary goal of this study is to improve the limit of detection (LOD) for liquid samples from parts per million (ppm) to ultra-low concentrations (parts per billion - ppb, and parts per trillion - ppt). The study compares three different sampling approaches: direct bulk liquid, liquid jet, and solid residue on substrate, to determine which method provides the most sensitive and reproducible LIBS spectra for environmental applications.

Methodological Approach:

1. Three different sampling methods were compared for trace elemental detection in aqueous samples: direct bulk, liquid jet, and solid residue on the substrate

2. The performance of each sampling technique was evaluated using different analytes (Cr, Ca, Na, Cu, Pb, and Cd).

Results and Discoveries:

  1. The solid residue on the teflon substrate method demonstrated superior detection limits for most analytes, achieving ppb level detection (6 ppb Cu, 88 ppb Cr, 228 ppb Pb, and 278 ppb Cd).
  2. This method provided highly sensitive and reproducible LIBS spectra, minimizing sample inhomogeneities and splashing.
  3. The solid residue on teflon substrate method proved advantageous for environmental applications, particularly with small sample volumes (as low as 10 μL). This approach was successfully applied to detect trace elements in water samples from the River Swarna, demonstrating its capability for environmental monitoring.

Citation to the base paper: Keerthi K, Sajan Daniel George, Joju G Sebastian, Anish Kumar Warrier, Santhosh Chidangil, Unnikrishnan VK. Optimization of different sampling approaches in liquid LIBS analysis for environmental applications. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. 2022;37(12):2625-36.

Publication Date

2022

Publication Date

2022

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