Abstract
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied for the detection of trace elements in non-degradable part of plastics known as insoluble organic material, obtained from thermal and catalytic degradation of plastics. LIBS signal intensity for each metal measured in the test sample was unique and different. The capability of this technique is demonstrated by analyzing various trace metals present inside plastics and also compared with ICP results. The metal concentration (ppm) measured with LIBS and verified by ICP for Ag (901), Al (522), Fe (231), Co (628), V (275), Ni (558), Pb (325), Mn (167) and Cd (378) are higher than permissible safe limits.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the facility and financial support provided by the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, through project grant SAB 2006/025 and IN 080410 for carrying out this work that has resulted in the preparation of this paper. One of the authors (M. Nasr) is thankful to KFUPM for its hospitality and permission to work at its research facilities.
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Siddiqui, M.N., Gondal, M.A. & Nasr, M.M. Determination of Trace Metals Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Insoluble Organic Materials Obtained from Pyrolysis of Plastics Waste. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 83, 141–145 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-009-9749-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-009-9749-x