Monitoring of Phytoremediation Processes via Laser-InducedBreakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Analysis of Heavy MetalAccumulation in Plants

Here we report on utilization of LIBS for investigation of copper and calcium distribution in different plant tissues and organs (pine-needles, leaves, twigs)of trees from remediation area of former copper mine in Smolnik, Slovak Republic. The samples of birch (Betulapendula), poplar (Populustremula), spruce (Piceaabies) and pine (Pinussylvestris) were collected. For comparative laboratory experiments Piceaabies samples were chosen. Cross sections throughout annual terminal twigs cultivated in CuCl2 solution of different concentrations were prepared and analyzed by LIBS.