UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, FAISALABAD

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Faculty of Sciences
(Synopsis for M. Phil. Degree in Physics)

Title: Nutrition Profiling in Plants by using LIBS

Name of student : Javaria Arooj

Registration No : 2022-ag-2204

Abstract:

In this paper, the use of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for rapid and
non-destructive nutrition profiling in plants is examined. Inducing plasma on the plant surface,
the high-energy laser emits distinct spectra that are useful for elemental analysis. It will be
demonstrated that the accuracy of the LIBS method in estimating key nutrients by calibrating and
validating it using standard reference materials. Precise monitoring will be made possible by
real-time measurements throughout the plant growth cycle. It will be highlighted the
effectiveness of LIBS by comparing it to conventional techniques. The effect of environmental
factors on LIBS measurements will be examined in order to guarantee resilience in a variety of
scenarios. The potential of LIBS in precision agriculture to optimize fertilizer application and
mitigate nutrient deficits will be discussed. This non-invasive method will support sustainable
agriculture by being appropriate for large-scale field applications. All things considered, LIBS
proves to be a useful instrument for raising agricultural output and quality while reducing
environmental effect.

Introduction:
 Over the last ten years, LIBS, or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, is grown
dramatically. Almost fifty years have passed since LIBS is first examined in a small number of
laboratories worldwide and throughout that time, a remarkable amount of progress is made. The
initial reports of LIBS experiments came soon after the laser action is demonstrated. Breech and
Cross employed atomic emission spectroscopy to examine metallic and nonmetallic materials in
1962. They did this by using a ruby laser to create vapors that are then activated by a second
spark source. Early in 1963, it is discovered that spectra obtained only through laser excitation
could yield quantitative relationships between the sample's elemental components that are
reasonably repeatable. Several more benefits of the LIBS as a tool for analysis are identified in
the groundbreaking studies conducted in the 1960s. Time-resolved LIBS is reported by
calculations of electron number density and temperatur on hydrogen plasma are made.
Additional diagnostic tests looked at the breakdown threshold's dependence on pulse width and
pressure of the plasma absorption, scattering and reflection properties the Doppler-shift of light
dispersed from the luminous front and the expansion of the shock wave that the spark started.
The scientific community showed a remarkable interest in LIBS, a technology that is still being
developed today, due to its core knowledge and attractive properties as an analytical tool.
Currently, LIBS is operational and deployed on Mars, providing a striking example of the
maturity of experimental research.(Fortes et al. 2013)

Over the past ten years, direct plant material analysis (such as leaf, root, and fruit
analysis) has been made possible by the demonstrated ability of (LIBS) to examine solid sample
in the context of the agricultural and environmental sciences. The presentation of test samples
typically ranges from dry or fresh materials (such as whole leaves, leaf sections, whole grains,
and vegetables) to pellets made from materials that have been ground and/or comminuted.
Testing is done in air or argon atmosphere using nanosecond pulses from Q-switched Nd:YAG
laser infrequently using femtosecond pulses. The ablation chambers are made to hold the test
materials. The atoms, ions, and molecules that are excited in the plasma created by a laser which is
produced on sample surface is collected for their emission aimed at an optical emission
spectrometer's entrance slit. By employing the information offered by the emission spectra, both
qualitative and quantitative studies are utilized, either with or without the assistance of chemo
metric techniques. There are certain boundary criteria that must be met for a suitable quantitative
analysis of plant materials, notwithstanding the benefits and adaptability of LIBS, which include
minimal or no sample preparation. These conditions are typically related to how the test sample
is presented, how well it is prepared, and how the calibration is done (Santos et al. 2012).

Conventional analytical methods such as atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively

coupled plasma mass spectrometry and the use of inductively coupled plasma optical emission
spectrometry are used to determine the key elements in agricultural goods. Good sensitivity
detection limits and stability are achieved by these approaches. However, practically all of these
methods generate a lot of hazardous waste and necessitate the use of chemical reagents, which
are labor-intensive, difficult to use, and could contaminate ecosystems, in order to digest
samples. A spectroscopic method for analyzing material composition is called LIBS. It is a
helpful tool for quick, real-time, in-situ measures for qualitative or quantitative analysis and has
been widely used in a wide range of domains, which include food safety monitoring,
environmental monitoring, manufacturing and others. Its features include little sample
preparation, quick analyzing speed and multi-elemental analysis. Numerous studies on
agricultural detection have been conducted by researchers. For instance it is used partial least
squares (PLS) in conjunction with fs-LIBS to determine the nutrient profile of plant materials.
For upcoming unidentified samples, prediction errors of less than 20% are anticipated. In order
to identify Cd in contaminated fresh leafy vegetables employed LIBS in conjunction with PLS.
In the prediction set, they managed to obtain a correlation factor of 0.9800 and (RMSEP) of
0.6714 mg/kg. Using LIBS conjunction with PLS are able to identify Cr in rice leaves (Yang, Li,
and Nie 2021).

Objectives:

The aim of my research work is.

• To increase plant growth and product quality through targeted mineral and nutrient supply.
• To maximize fertility of the soil.
• To encourage the reuse of nutrients during the growth of plants.
• To reduce the amount of pollution fertilizers cause to the environment.

Review of Literature:

(Fiorentini, Kinchla, and Nolden 2020) Were developed artificial meat substitutes to meet
the needs of conscious consumers of meat and flexibility due to the growing desired for
environmentally friendly food. When useful components and processing techniques were
combined well, meat-like sensory qualities were produced, which has what non-vegetarian
customers need to see in order to draw them in. Beyond customer preference, sensory analysis
had a more general branch of study that measures and analyzes reactions to various aspects of
products. Hedonic tests were used to measure acceptance in order to determine the extent of
general liking as well as particular sensory feature liking. Both quantitative as well as qualitative
findings regarding the sensory characteristics of the product are provided by descriptive
evaluation. In order to show how crucial these kinds of analyses were for consumer acceptability,
novel publications that assess the sensory qualities of meat extension compounds and analogs
using hedonistic assessment and/or descriptive methods were analyzed here. It can be
advantageous to combine quantitative measures of textures and colors with sensory analysis; this
will help to improve the final output. These methods may be used in the future to better direct
composition and execution of products by integrating sensory testing. Through sensory
evaluation, academics and businesses can get valuable insights into customer preferences and
product features that can help produce more appealing and environmentally responsible food
solutions.

(Anon 2020) Found phytochemicals that exist in medicinal plants had important medical
benefits. When used consistently, they were safe, effective, and reasonably priced. The purpose
of this study was to examine phyto-nutritional profile of leaf extracted from broom weed (Sida
acuta). When Sida acuta leaves were closely examined, the following materials were found: ether
extract (1.77%), dry matter (91.85%), crude fiber (6.20%), ash (9.78%), crude protein (18.01%)
and energy (2760 Kcal/kg). Through phytochemical analysis, shorter compounds (respectively,
0.82%, 2.02%, 4.25%, 0.20%, 0.17%, 0.05%, 0.23%, 0.22%, 0.95% and 0.02%) were identified
in the sample. These included saponins, flavonoids, phenols, oxalate, phytate, alkaloids,
terpenoids and glycosides. Iron (2.18 mg / 100 g), iron (0.66 mg / 100 g), copper (0.08 mg / 100
g), zinc oxide, β-carotene (0.79 mg/100 g), magnesium ions (102.1 mg /100 g), vitamin (0.33
mg/100 g), folic acid (30.17 mg/100 g) and amino acid (0.05 mg/100 g) were among the vitamin
constituents. Valine (0.84 mg/100 g), leucine (2.09 mg/100 g), phenylalanine (4.70 mg/ 100 g),
tyros (3.56 mg/100 g), isoleucine (2.88 mg/100 g), methionine (0.89 mg/100 g), histidine (4.74
mg/100 g), serine (2.05 mg/100 g), amino acid (1.07 mg/100 g), amino acid (3.36 mg/100 g),
cystine (4.78 mg/100 g), histidine (4.74 mg/100 g), aspartic acid (2.17 mg/100 g), threonine
(1.89 mg per 100 g), histidine as (4.78 mg/100 g), serine (2.08 mg/100 g) and proline (1.05
mg/100 g).

(Curtain and Grafenauer 2019) For reasons related to health and the environment, it
was interested in plant-based beef substitutes. The purpose of this study was to compare and
contrast 2015 data and associated meat items with substitutes made from plants, or "resembling
meat." The nutrition information and health star rating (HSR) for 137 goods An audit was done
on 50 sandwiches, 10 chops, 29 sausages, 24 chicken, 9 seafood and 15 other items. The
measurements of HSR and nutrients were expressed as average (± standard deviation (SD)) and
median (range). Plant-based options were often smaller in kilojoules, total fat, and saturated fats
and higher in carbs, sugars and dietary fiber when compared to meat. Just 4% of the goods had
58–1200 mg/100 g of low salt contents. Only 24% of the items had vitamin B12 fortification,
20% had iron fortification, and 18% had zinc fortification. 46% had HSR featured (3.6–4.4
stars). Claims made on the packaging included that it was plant-based, vegetarian, vegan, or
genetically modified (80%), high in protein (63%), and free of gluten (28%). In four years, the
number of products climbed fivefold (∑429%). The trend toward proteins made from plants has
spurred innovation in meat replacements; however, the wide range of vitamins and minerals and
increased sodium content emphasizes the significance of suggested diets in their creation to
guarantee protein equivalency with animal-based proteins.

(Spectroscopy 2018) Were found toxic metals in order to monitor pollution and guarantee
the safety of food. In this work, the amount of chromium in rice leaves was determined through
LIBS. We looked into how the wavelength of the laser (532 nm and 1064 nm stimulation),
duration, pulse power, delaying and sample distance from len (LTSD) affected the signal
sensitivity and stability as well as the plasma temperature and electron number density.
Univariate analysis was utilized to quantify the chromium content using the optimized
experimental parameters. The computational efficiency was further enhanced by
several preprocessing techniques, including background normalization, standardization area,
multiplication scatter correction (MSC) modification, and standardized normal variable (SNV)
transformation. The greatest results were obtained from the SNV converted signal (Cr I 426.43
nm) produced by 532 nm emission, with a correlation value of 0.9847, a root-average-square
error of 3.87 mg/kg and a limit of detection of 2.75 mg/kg. The result demonstrated how well
LIBS identified dangerous metals in plant materials. The results also showed that 532 nm
excitation had higher sensitivity than 1064 nm excitation, with a detection limit that was
approximately two times lower.
 (Sharma, Singh, et al. 2020) Were quickly analyzed five different types of medicinal
plants for both major and minor components using (LIBS). The elements of carbon, magnesium,
iron, silicon, calcium, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sodium had been identified by the LIBS
results; however, the amounts of these compounds varied amongst the five different types of
plants used for medicine. The LIBS approach was used to first determine if both trace and major
elements were present in plant tissue samples, such as the leaves and roots. The strength ratio
method was then used to assess the appropriate amounts of the elements based on the observed
LIBS data. In the inductive manner linked plasma-optical emissions spectrometry (ICP-OES)
analysis yielded strength ratios, which were contrasted to the acquired results. The five medicinal
plant specimens' spectral variations were also extracted using semi-partial least squares
multivariate analysis and LIBS spectra. By using statistical techniques, models for calibration
and categorization are produced. These models can be used to better comprehend unknown plant
samples and make future predictions about their nature and content. This work demonstrates
unequivocally that the LIBS approach, in conjunction with chemo metric techniques, was a
valuable tool for investigating the unique properties of various organic plant materials.

(Sharma, Singh, et al. 2020) Were analyzed the major and trace elements in five samples
of plants for medicinal purposes using (LIBS). Calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, carbon,
nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and silicon were all present in the LIBS data, however the amounts
of these elements varied between the five samples of plants used for medicinal purposes. The
LIBS approach was used to first determine if major and trace elements were present in the plant
body samples, such as the roots and leaves. The intensity ratio method was then used to assess
the corresponding levels of the elements based on the observed LIBS data. Optical emission
spectrometry with inductive coupling (ICP-OES) analysis yielded intensity ratios, which were
compared to the acquired results. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was
utilized to obtain the spectral variations among different samples of medicinal plants using the
LIBS spectra. These statistical techniques produce classification models and calibration, which
could be used to better comprehend the unknown plant sample in the created model and make
future predictions about the sample's nature and composition. This study demonstrated
unequivocally that the LIBS technology, when combined with chemo metric techniques,
becomes a valuable tool for investigating the traits that differentiate various biological plant
materials.

(Pandas 2023) Influenced that giant pandas in captivity utilized their nutrients and the
makeup of their gut flora by their appetite for bamboo parts. Nevertheless, it was unknown how
consuming bamboo parts may affect the geriatric giant pandas' gut microbiota and ability to
digest nutrients. Over the course of each single-bamboo-part consumption period, a total of
eleven adult and eleven elderly captive giant pandas were fed bamboo shoots or leaves, and their
fecal microbiota and nutrient digestibility were evaluated. For both age groups, consuming
bamboo shoots increased the digestibility of crude protein and lowered that of crude fiber.
Regardless of age, the intestines of the huge pandas fed bamboo shoots showed higher alpha
diversity values and a significantly difference beta diversity index from that of their counterparts
fed bamboo leaves. At the phylum and genus levels, feeding bamboo shoots to adult and elderly
giant pandas significantly changed the relative abundance of dominating taxa. The crude protein
digestibility of bamboo shoot-enriched taxa was favorably connected, while the crude fiber
digestibility was inversely correlated. When combined, these findings imply that giant pandas'
gut microbiota composition and nutrient digestibility are primarily influenced by their ingestion
of bamboo parts rather than their age.

(Han et al. 2020) were impacted by trait- and density-mediated indirect connections
(TMIIs and DMIIs respectively), which shaped community dynamics; however, little was
understood about how plant nutrients or bottom-up impacts affected the intensity of these
indirect interactions. To assess the impact of bottom-up forcing on indirect interactions, we
performed in a four-species hexagonal food web consisting of tomato plant, two phytophagous
insects (aphids and leafminers) and a predator (a mirid bug that attacks both), experiments
carried out in labs and greenhouses had been altering plant nutrition sources. The aphid suffered
from a number of negative secondary effects caused by the leafminer. Its eggs negatively
influenced aphid behaviors, such as reducing feeding time (TMIIs), and slowed down aphid
development. These effects are likely the result of increased plant chemical defenses and/or
lower plant nutritional quality. Because larval herbivory increased the quantity of predators
(DMIIs), it reduced the expansion of aphid populations. TMIIs were also made worse by the
insufficient supply of plant nutrients.

(Sharma, Virendra, et al. 2020) Were studied the causes and chemical modifications that
happened in the health grains of rice with the infestation due to fake smut disease, the main goal
of this study was to investigate the samples of both healthy and diseased rice plants at the
elements and molecular level. To find and identify the type of pathogen present in the samples of
sick rice plants, we employed isolation techniques and microscopic analysis. Rice grain
elemental studies were performed by wavelength dispersive X-ray fuorescence (WDXRF)
spectrometry and (LIBS). This demonstrated mineral alterations brought on by pathogen
invasion in samples of infected rice plants. The findings from WDXRF and LIBS revealed that
while some elements displayed variable behavior in diseased rice grains compared to healthy
grains, others, which included silicon (Si), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and iron
(Fe) decreased in diseased rice grains. There is a strong correlation between the outcomes from
WDXRF and LIBS. We had used FTIR spectroscopy to investigate the molecular alterations that
resulted from the infection brought on by fake smut in the active bio components of the rice
grains. The current spectroscopic research will aid in the development of appropriate treatment
plans to stop additional yield loss brought on by rice fake smut disease, as well as in providing a
proper knowledge of the disease.

(Emmanuel et al. 2020) Were examined the composition, diversity and nutrition routes of
bacterial endophytes associated with roots of maize plants grown with various fertilizers in order
to substantiate the notion that inorganic fertilizers were not environmentally friendly and can had
harmful impacts on plant microbiomes. The roots of maize plants grown in an experimental field
at different planting locations with and without fertilizer were harvested for whole DNA
analysis. Next, shotgun metagenomics was used to sequence the DNA. Our study, which made
use of the Subsystem database, revealed that every sample contained multiple feeding channels
and 28 different phyla. Maize from organically fertilized sites were dominated by Bacteroidetes,
whereas inorganic fertilizer site was dominated by Proteobacteria and no fertilizer by Firmicutes.
According to the diversity analysis, all of the locations endophytic bacterial abundances were in
order of natural fertilizer (FK), inorganic fertilizer (NK) and fertilizer (CK). Moreover, the main
metabolic routes for nutrients had been connected to the metabolism of phosphorus and nitrogen.
Where as in FK samples were greater Based on the findings, it appears that organic fertilizer has
the potential to enhance sustainable farming methods and need to be promoted. In maize,
numerous new endophytic bacterial families had also been discovered. Developing methods to
separate and refine this unique endophytic bacterium may aid in the future promotion of
biotechnological applications in conjunction with sustainable agriculture.

(Cristina et al. 2009) Were assessed micronutrients (Mn, Cu, B, Fe and Zn) in plants had
been assessed by (LIBS), with analytical calibration provided by GBW, NIST and BCR
biological verified reference materials. Pellets with diameter of 15 mm and thickness of around
2 mm were created by applying 8.0 tons cm-2 force on 15 mm die set containing 0.5 g of
powdered material. An ICCD detector-equipped Echelle spectrometer and a Nd: YAG laser
operating at 1064 nm (200 mJ per pulse, 10 Hz) were used to build an experimental setup. The
repeatability precision of measurements taken in the same sample pellet at ten different points (8
laser shots per test section) varied from 4 to 30%.The following limits of detection 3.6 mg kg-1
Fe, 2.2 mg kg-1 B, 3.01 mg kg-1 Cu, 1.7 mg kg-1 Mn and 1.3 mg kg-1 Zn were suitable for routine
examination of plant materials. Following wet acid decomposition, LIBS was used to analyze
several plant samples, and the outcomes were contrasted with those acquired by ICP OES.

(Fayyaz et al. 2024) Were studied that herb Saussurea Simpsoniana were utilized in
conventional medicine for a variety of purposes. The plant's roots were used to make powerful
treatments that were used in the local communities to cure a variety of illnesses, including
rheumatism, pneumonia, and neurological and gastrointestinal problems. Using breakdown
spectroscopy technique, this experiment provided an elemental examination of the medicinal
plant's chemical composition. An Nd: Y (Q-switched) laser with 532 nm wavelength was used to
produce plasma on the surface of the sample in the air atmosphere. This laser can produce pulses
with maximum energy of about 425 mJ & duration of 5 ns. Six tiny spectrometers with a
wavelength spectrum of 210–960 nm were used to record and collect the optical emission that
plasma released. Thirteen major and minor components, including Ti, Li, Si, Al, Sr, Ba, Fe, Ca,
C, H, Na, K, Mg, were found in LIBS based on a qualitative study. To determine local
thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and optically thin plasma conditions, the quantitative analysis
employed calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS), which took into
account the electron number density and plasma excitation temperature. Furthermore, a
comparative analysis was conducted between the outcomes derived from CF-LIBS and those
obtained using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis.

(Mamelona and Saint-louis 2010) Were examined By-products from the processing
plants of green spear (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) and Atlantic sea cucumbers
(Cucumaria frondosa) for their approximate composition, fatty acid, amino acid accounts,
mineral and vitamin contents. According to the research, the total proteins and fats (wet weight
basis) in the private grade gonads, urchin digestive tract (UDT), and sea cucumber organs ranged
from 4.5 to 14.4%. They made up roughly 37% of the total amino acid composition and were
highly concentrated in essential amino acids. The sample had low DHA levels (0.2%) but large
levels of EPA (~17% of total lipids) and unsaturated lipids (44% of overall fatty acids) were also
present. In compared to similar marine samples, UDT had the greatest levels of alpha-tocopherol
and retinol as far as of vitamin content. The by-products of organism processing plants contain a
variety of nutritious components at levels that were generally comparable to or even better than
those of their edible counterparts, according to the results. In light of the global rarefaction of
healthy marine resources, efforts should be made to valorize these biological wastes.
 (Kumari et al. 2017) Were studied that medicinal plants were mostly used for oral health.
Nonetheless, this plant's predominance in terms of nutrients had received little attention. This
study covered the metabolite profiling, antioxidant potential, amino acid composition, and
proximate and mineral nutritional contents of S. persica fruit. A significant amount of mineral
elements, carbohydrates, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols were present in the ripe fruit.
The fruit extract's metabolic profile as determined by GC-MS included 22 different metabolites,
including glucose, alcohols of sugar, organic acid, organic bases and aromatic silica compounds.
It was previously reported that the discovered metabolites may possess anticancer, antibacterial,
anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant qualities. The GC-MS analysis revealed that the fruit of S.
persica contained large amounts of glucopyranose and glucose (247.62 and 42.90 mg/100 g FW,
respectively). Together with having high concentrations of vital amino acids and mineral
elements, the fruit extract also showed noticeably greater oxidative and ROS scavenging
capabilities. The presence of both the two types of amino acids needed for a healthy body's
metabolism was shown by HPLC analysis. Out of all the amino acids measured, cysteine was
determined to have the greatest level (733.69 mg/100 g DW). Specifically, it seemed that the
fruit of S. persica may provide essential nutrients, amino acid, B nutrients (ascorbic acid and
carotenoid) and pharmaceutically significant metabolites that helped to fulfill the recommended
daily intake of these for a human being in good health. That was not the case with some
commercially important fruits or with similar medicinal herbs that were already recognized as
source of non-conventional food. This study served as the first to demonstrate the fruit of S.
persica's importance as nutraceutical. In order to reduce nutrient deficiencies in the most
vulnerable demographic, S. persica fruit may be used as a functional food or as a rejuvenating
element in processed foods, according to the information supplied.Pharmaceutical preparations
may benefit from the natural source of phytochemicals found in S. persica fruit.

(Saklani and Chandra 2012) were examined in vitro for phytochemical screening,
nutritional evaluation, antibacterial activity, and antifungal activity. The plant produces edible
fruit that is high in nutrients and minerals, including ash content (3.8%), crude protein (5.36%),
carbohydrates (27.19%), crude fiber (16.92%) and minerals including calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, and potassium (1.35, 0.90, 2.14 and 0.27 mg/100gm). Ficus auriculata's ethanolic
fruit demonstrated notable efficacy in phytochemical testing for the presence of glycosides,
which phenols, resin, flavonoids and tannins as well as against food poisoning bacteria,
including Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, at 14±1 mm, 13±1
mm and 12±1 mm. Alkaloids were not present, though. According to this investigation, the fruit
had higher levels of fat, protein, fiber and minerals than cultivated fruits like mango and apple.
Fruits of the Ficus auriculata plant provide enough nutrients for an individual's daily needs. Fruit
consumption may lower the risk of long-term illnesses and enhance overall health and wellbeing.
These results support the idea that Ficus auriculata could be used to make natural foods or
nutraceuticals.

Materials and methods:

With a 6 mm diameter, laser pulses with a (364±3) mJ, 5 ns (FWHM) at 10 Hz repetition

rate will be produced at the primary wavelength of a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser with beam
quality factor smaller than 2. Directed at the sample pellet, the laser pulse will be aimed through
a convergent lens of 2.56 cm in diameter and 24 cm in focal length. It will be ensured that the
distance between lens and (LTSD) will be smaller than the lens focal length so that most of the
laser energy will be posited into the material bulk. As suggested, in this instance, the LTSD and
pulse energy will set at 16.7 cm and 205 mJ, respectively. The pellet, which has diameter of 15
mm, is placed into a plastic sample container and then translated in two directions using hand
control in a two-axis fashion. The sample holder had two symmetrically positioned entrance
inlets that continuously fed argon at a flow rate of 0.5 l min -1, which will be controlled by a
rotameter. The plasma emission will be collected using a 55 mm and 130 mm focal length fused
silica lens telescope. After that, the gathered light will be pushed into 1.6 m spectrometer fiber
with 600 μm core, matching its numerical aperture. The optical axis of the collecting system will
be located about. (Cristina et al. 2009)

The LIBS system graphic utilized in this work will comparable to that of earlier works. To put it
briefly, the energy source will be pulsed Nd-YAG laser which produced a 1064-nm (basic) laser
beam with 5ns pulse width and 10Hz pulse repetition rate. This laser beam will be capable of
producing the highest possible amount of laser pulsed energy 300 mJ pulse-1. Using a 20 cm
focal length focusing lens, the laser beam will be directed and concentrated on the sample's
surface. To prevent the formation of a crater that would be changed the lens's focal point and, in
turn, the LIBS intensity, the target was mounted on a revolving platform. In order to prevent air
breakdown in front of the target, the sample will be placed at an ideal distance. The plasma
emissions from the sample surface will be captured by a camera that is positioned perpendicular
to the laser beam. The collected light will then be sent to the input ports of a specialized
spectrometer (LIBS2000+, Ocean Optics Inc.) that will feature a CCD camera. Five high
resolution (HR) spectrometers with different groove densities on LIBS 2000+ detector will be
used.(Rehan et al. 2021)

Two different active laser mediums will be investigated in order to carry out the current studies.
The excitation sources will be a Spitfire Mai Tai (Spectra-Physics, USA) fs laser Ti: Sapphire
system (800 nm wavelength, 60 fs pulse length, 3.3 mJ pulse~1, 10 mm beam diameter with M2
factor 3, 1 kHz repetition rate) and a Brilliant B (Quantel, France) Q-switched Nd: YAG laser
(1064 nm, 532 nm, and 266 nm wavelengths, 6 ns pulse length, maximum energy of 856 mJ at
the fundamental wavelength, 9 mm beam diameter with M2 factor 3.3 Hz repetition rate). Both
devices are equipped with a mode-locked oscillator and an ultrafast amplifier." Plane-convex
quartz lenses with a focal length of 25.4 mm for ns-LIBS and 55 mm for fs-LIBS will be utilized
to collect plasma optical emission. The collection lenses for fs-LIBS and ns-LIBS will be placed
on tips of their corresponding optical fibers at a distance of 1000 mm and 600 mm, respectively,
in order to capture the full plasma image at a demagnification factor of 3. The collecting optics
geometry will be fixed at 90 degrees with respect to the laser optical axis. Using (ICCD) detector
(1024 x 1024 pixels, 26 mm pixel, 25 mm intensifier tube diameter), the collected light will be
directed towards the entrance slit of a Shamrock 301i Czerny Turner spectrometer (304 mm focal
length, f/3, 11 mm slit). The ICCD's cooling will be set.(Arantes de Carvalho et al. 2015)Using
(LIBS), a number of plant root, stem and soil samples will be examined to determine the
distribution and abundance of nutritional components. To assess the effectiveness of employing
LIBS for in situ examination on plant samples, samples will be evaluated both at the time of
collection and after that it will be dried and cross-sectioned.