Determination of carbon in soil by laser spectral analysis

We have used a combination laser/electrospark method for fast determination of carbon content in soil. Excitation of the spectra is carried out both directly in a laser ablation plume and when a pulsed electric discharge is applied to it. We have plotted a calibration curve that is linear for the major concentration range of practical importance for the analyte element, all the way up to 8.6%. The carbon detection limit for the combination discharge approach is 0.07%. We have analyzed the ratio of the nitrogen and carbon contents, and also the hydrogen and carbon contents as a function of the carbon concentration in the studied soils samples.