Simultaneous Analysis of Heavy Metal Concentration in Soil Samples

• Main Authors: Anna Śliwińska, Adam Smolinski, Piotr Kucharski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-11-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: soil pollution; ftir spectra; partial least squares pls; far-ir; rapid estimation
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/9/21/4705

The application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to the simultaneous analysis of heavy metal concentration in soil samples was demonstrated in this paper. Two spectral techniques, namely, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and diffuse reflectance (DRIFT), were applied and the whole infrared spectral region, i.e., far IR, mid IR, and near IR were considered in this work. Spectral data with reference to the results of laboratory analysis enabled the development of calibration partial least squares (PLS) models. The PLS models for the ATR near IR were characterized by a good fit and good prediction abilities. According to the results obtained, the most accurate description and prediction were realized in the case of mid/far and near IR for the mercury and nickel concentration in soil. Application of far IR slightly improved the prediction possibilities of the model. The construction of PLS models based on the Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra enables the perception of FT-IR spectroscopy as a supplementary method that is useful in the estimation and monitoring of the contamination level in soils.