Detection of Heavy metals in soil samples of Birmingham urban area using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy*

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death in the USA, which could be triggered by inhaling heavy metals (such as Pb and Mn) transported via dust. Heavy metal and other toxic chemical pollution from open quarries, steel mills, coal-fired power stations, and coke furnaces has been a concern in North Birmingham for a long time and continues to be a problem today. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a notable analytical method that offers low cost, minimum sample preparation, and real-time soil characterization available for investigations. An Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm (20 Hz repetition rate, up to 100 mJ pulse energy per pulse) and an Echelle spectrometer with an ICCD detector were utilized in these experiments. The soil samples collected from three different sites in Birmingham are analyzed. The detection threshold for heavy metal content in soil samples was 95 ppm.