Fingerprint feature recognition method for solid waste based on LIBS

Abstract

The foundation of solid waste resource utilization and disposal lies in identifying the types and characteristics of solid waste. However, owing to the complexity and mixed storage of solid waste types, classification is difficult, which hinders the development of solid waste recycling and a circular economy. This study, which was based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), carried out rapid quantitative detection of 16 heavy metal elements. By using the Kruskal-Wallis H test method, heavy metal element fingerprint factors were selected, and characteristic distribution curves of heavy metal elements in different solid wastes were plotted to construct classification and identification models. The study revealed that the random forest model achieved the highest classification accuracy of 96.8%. Finally, LIBS was used to detect the elemental content in actual samples, and when combined with the model, the classification accuracy reached a maximum of 74.2%. This paper provides a method for identifying solid waste fingerprint features and a recognition model based on fingerprint features for the rapid identification of unknown solid waste, laying the foundation for waste property recognition and resource recovery.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Circular economy / Solid waste / Quantitative detection / Fingerprint features / Rapid identification

Highlight

	● Quantitative detection of heavy metal elements in solid waste was conducted.
	● Characteristic distribution curve of heavy metal elements in solid waste was drawn.
	● A model was trained for rapid classification and identification of solid waste.
	● LIBS technology was utilized for solid waste classification verification.

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