Determination of sub-ppm levels of boron in ground water samples by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to the determination of sub-ppm levels of boron in ground water samples using spectroscopically pure graphite planchets as solid support. The data obtained by LIBS agreed well with those from ICP-AES. No spectral interference due to the possibly interfering elements Fe, Cr, Al and Mo was observed. The detection limit was 0.01 A mu g.g(-1) for boron using the B(I) 249.773 nm emission line. The method is considered to be promising for the rapid determination of boron, with an acceptable degree of accuracy and without the need for elaborate sample treatment, preconcentration and purification steps.