Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy: A robust technique for the detection of trace metals in water

Abstract

Modernization and industrialization have resulted in the addition of significant micropollutants in the form of trace metals in the environment. Large amounts of wastewater containing traces of various metals are generated due to industrial output and pesticide usage, which can pollute surface as well as groundwater. Many metallic components, especially the heavy metal ones, are abundant, poisonous, difficult to degrade, and even their low concentrations can be toxic to natural health. Hence, it is essential to detect and remove these hazardous species in order to prevent water pollution. Traditional methods for detecting these metals in water such as inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are expensive, tedious, and these methods even cause secondary pollution. In contrast, Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a quick and simple analytical technique for obtaining elemental information from materials without damaging them. LIBS can be applied to all types of samples, including solids, liquids, or gases. Although the collection of the signal for solid samples is easy, there are certain disadvantages or challenges associated with the analysis of liquid samples using LIBS. In this regard, there is a need toimprove the LIBS set-upto address the problems associated with LIBS in liquid. The present paper provides an insight into the various experimental methodologies and highlights the advantages of LIBS over other conventional techniques for the detection of trace heavy elements in water. This study will go a long way in establishing LIBS as a very convenient and reliable technique for the monitoring of trace elements in wastewater as well as drinking water, especially in the Indian context.