Multivariate Analysis of Mid-IR FT-IR Spectra of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Wet Soils

Abstract

This article describes a series of mid-IR FT-IR reflectance spectroscopy measurements of hydrocarbon-contaminated wet soils. The eventual goal of this work is the development of an analysis tool suitable for real-time in situ underground measurements where a suitable reference spectrum is not available. Multivariate analysis of the resulting spectral data indicates that the strongly varying wet soil matrix and the absence of a suitable reference spectrum in the field do not render this measurement technique unfeasible as a means of realizing remote in situ chemical detection in wet soils. It was also observed that simultaneous quantification of moisture content and identification of soil composition may be achieved. These results have important applications to in situ site characterization for environmental cleanup and soil characterization for construction planning.