Oral Presentation Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Australasia 2021

Infrared Spectrometers for In-Field Analysis of TPH in Soil and Beyond (#125)

Sean Manning 1
  1. Ziltek, Adelaide, SA, Australia

Spectroscopy has long been promoted as a promising in-field measurement technology for soil analysis. It promises on-the-spot, non-destructive analysis with minimal sample handling and preparation. There is a substantial body of scientific literature demonstrating the accurate measurement of many important soil properties using spectroscopic techniques. Despite this, commercial offerings are scarce. Calibration is required for spectrometers to make quantitative measurements, and herein lies the challenge. Calibration is a difficult, time-consuming process that requires the expertise of data scientists, putting spectroscopy out of the reach of most potential users who simply want a point and shoot measurement tool. Ziltek solved this problem by including calibration as a service with their RemScan™ field spectrometers. For nearly ten years, RemScan has been used successfully in the remediation industry to measure the amount of petroleum hydrocarbons in soils. This has made RemScan an invaluable tool for restoring toxic environments to their pristine form. We do the work for the customer to ensure that quality, fit-for-purpose calibrations are produced and that the calibrations remain accurate throughout the project's lifespan. The end result is an easy-to-use in-field measurement tool that provides accurate and reliable data. Calibration as a service not only reduces the difficulty of setting up and maintaining field spectrometers, but also allows for the development of improved calibration products and services. One such product is Ziltek's Spill Response Mode, which provides users with a soil TPH measurement tool that requires no prior calibration and can be deployed immediately to assess the risk spills pose to humans and the environment. Ziltek have recently turned our expertise to measuring agronomic soil properties and developing technologies that will help farmers make more from their land, both in terms of soil health and longterm carbon sequestration, which has financial and benefits for the farmer and generally benefits the planet