ABSTRACT
With the improvements outlined previously, the current instrument is expected to identify target analytes of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) into classes containing one or more species and to determine concentration within a factor of 2 to 3 accuracy in soils similar to those encountered during this field work. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) sensitivity for PAH should be equal to or better than conventional laboratory tests. Achieving both this accuracy and sensitivity in different settings depends on determining the effect of soil type on the LIF detection and finding a suitable on-site calibration method to account for matrix effects. Instrument development has progressed in several aspects since the completion of the Advanced Applied Technology Development Facility project. To reduce generation of scattered light during field work, a new probe has been designed and fabricated that consists of 12 small sapphire windows embedded in a stainless steel metal button.
