Detection of Pollutants in used Plastic Bottles using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the components of the plastic materials used in water and drug bottles by using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Bottle samples were collected from some factories inSudan, the samples were collected pre- and post-used. Samples were irradiated by Nd: YAG laser at 266 nm, repetition rate 2Hz, with pulse energy of 80mJ. The recorded spectra of the samples were analyzed using National Institute Standard and Technology (NIST) and Origin Lab Pro 9 data analysis software. The results showed all elements present in plastic water bottles and bottles caps, which are Mn, Ca, Cl, Mg, N, Pm, O, F, Fe, K, Er, Mo, Eu, and S. All these elements are normal and this is useful for recycling only one times. All elements present in plastic drug bottles were detected, they areCd, Ra, Ac, W, V, Na, Pm, Ca, Cl, K, Ar, Nd, Tc, Sc, Pb, Pa, Li and Ce. This group of plastic bottles are not useful for recycling.This study reveals that the Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is useful technique for analyses the water and drug plastic containers and this technique led to accurate determination of different elements present in plastic. In the futurecan be usedLIBS systemas a portable system for online analysis of many types of other plastic wastes.