Application of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy to Quantify Beryllium Concentration in Soil
Metals and Metal Speciation Analysis in Environmental Samples
Oral Presentation
Prepared by , T. Mututuvari
Contact Information: kculbertson@hps.net; 843-767-7900
ABSTRACT
Occupational exposure to beryllium can lead to a deadly lung disease, chronic berylliosis. Consequently, OSHA has issued a final rule to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of Be to 0.2 µg/m3 of air based on an 8-hour exposure time. In recent years, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been increasingly used in ‘real time’ monitoring of Be at workplaces. However, its applicability has been limited partly by unavailability of Be soil CRMs. Soil matrix tends to have a considerable effect on Be signal. In this study, we intend to develop potential soil CRMs containing trace levels of Be. Different soil types will be evaluated for their suitability of use as matrices for Be. During the process, we will develop a robust partial least squares regression model using LIBS data. Additionally, principal component analysis will be used to group different soil types based on their composition and LIBS spectra. These soil CRMs can potentially be used as a baseline to monitor the cleanup progress at some of the legacy sites where Be was processed many years ago.
Metals and Metal Speciation Analysis in Environmental Samples
Oral Presentation
Prepared by , T. Mututuvari
Contact Information: kculbertson@hps.net; 843-767-7900
ABSTRACT
Occupational exposure to beryllium can lead to a deadly lung disease, chronic berylliosis. Consequently, OSHA has issued a final rule to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of Be to 0.2 µg/m3 of air based on an 8-hour exposure time. In recent years, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been increasingly used in ‘real time’ monitoring of Be at workplaces. However, its applicability has been limited partly by unavailability of Be soil CRMs. Soil matrix tends to have a considerable effect on Be signal. In this study, we intend to develop potential soil CRMs containing trace levels of Be. Different soil types will be evaluated for their suitability of use as matrices for Be. During the process, we will develop a robust partial least squares regression model using LIBS data. Additionally, principal component analysis will be used to group different soil types based on their composition and LIBS spectra. These soil CRMs can potentially be used as a baseline to monitor the cleanup progress at some of the legacy sites where Be was processed many years ago.
