Spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy: A new technique for monitoring heavymetals

This paper presents the development and testing of a new, real-time monitor ing technique for heavy metal aerosols and particulates in air based on spa rk-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SIBS). The technique is based on tempora lly resolved atomic emission resulting from excitation of the aerosol-laden air sample in a high-energy electrically generated spark. A complete proto type monitor comprised of spark power supply, sample chamber, bandpass-filt ered radiometric detector, and computer for real-time data acquisition and display has been assembled, calibrated, and tested. The low er limits of de tection for lead and chromium are 10 mu g/m(3.) The monitor has been succes sfully applied as a continuous emissions monitor for lead and chromium in a simulated combustion flue gas at a joint EPA/DOE test, for fugitive chromi um emissions above a hard chrome plating tank, and for airborne particulate lead at an indoor bring range, The monitor has also demonstrated the capab ility to detect cadmium, mercury, selenium, antimony, arsenic, uranium, and thorium.