IN-SITU ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF TOBACCO AND ASH USING LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY: HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid, cost-effective, and versatile technique for in-situ multi-elemental analysis with high resolution and low detection limits. Tobacco smoking significantly increases the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disorders, and COPD, largely due to the inhalation of toxic elements present in cigarette tobacco and ash. This study employs LIBS to detect harmful elements in tobacco and ash from four popular Pakistani cigarette brands, aiming to safeguard human health, agricultural safety, and environmental sustainability. Using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 90 mJ, 10 ns pulse), the emission spectra revealed several elements including Fe, Ca, Mn, Sc, Ti, Cr, Sr, and Ni, with chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and strontium (Sr) identified as highly toxic. The presence of these metals in ash contributes to soil contamination and poses further health risks. Electron temperature (Te) was determined via the Boltzmann Plot Method, while electron density (Ne) was calculated using the Stark Broadening Method under local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions. These findings demonstrate LIBS as a powerful diagnostic tool for detecting toxic elements in solid samples, aiding in environmental protection and health risk assessment.