Spectroscopic characterization of red latosols contaminated by petroleum-hydrocarbon and empirical model to estimate pollutant content and type

Abstract This work assesses the applicability of reflectance spectroscopy to monitor petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) leaks in petroleum facilities using the direct detection of the pollutant in bare soils. A controlled, lab-scale experiment is conducted, where red latosols are contaminated with several types of hydrocarbons (crude oils and derivatives) and in different concentrations, in order to simulate leaks. Results portray key spectroscopic characteristics of contaminated soils, spectral temporal variation patterns, and spectral detection limits considering visible–near infrared and short wave infrared wavelengths. Regression analysis models allow quantifying the pollution level and estimating the hydrocarbon type. This seamless method has a great potential to be used in environmental monitoring of bare soil along refineries and pipelines.