ABSTRACT
The laser-induced fluorescence–excitation–emission matrix (LIF-EEM) probe advanced by cone penetrometer technology (CPT) equipment is an effective screening tool for site characterization and could provide an economical, rapid assessment of contaminated sites. Data resolution and the significant volume of subsurface information generated by this technique surpass conventional data collection methods and provide an excellent database to use with commercially available software for visualizing the three-dimensional extent of contaminants. The LIF-EEM technique is applicable to all fluorescent contaminants and other fluorescent organic and inorganic materials. Many common contaminants such as gasoline, jet fuels, heating oil, diesel fuel, and coal tar as well as most other common petroleum products consist of mixtures of chemical compounds that include a significant fluorescent component. Because CPT direct push equipment is the current mode of deployment for the probe, use of the instrument is dependent on the ability to penetrate site soils to the desired investigation depth.
