Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Comparative Quantitative Analysis of Betel Leaves from Pakistan

Laser induced breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied for the elemental analysis and exposure of the heavy metals in betel leaves in air. Pulsed Nd∶YAG (1064 nm) in conjunction with a suitable detector (LIBS 2000+, Ocean Optics, Inc) having the optical resolution of 0.06 nm was used to record the emission spectra from 220 to 720 nm. Elements like Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, P, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Sr, and Zn were found to present in the samples. The relative abundances of the observed elements were calculated through standard calibration curve method, integrated intensity ratio method, and weight percentage LIBS approach. LIBS findings were validated by comparing its results with the results obtained using a typical analytical technique of Inductively Coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Limit of detection (LOD) of the LIBS system was also estimated for heavy metals. The experience gain through this work implies that LIBS could be highly applicable for testing the quality and purity of food products.