Scientists from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, have developed a new method for quickly measuring oil concentration levels in the soil surrounding oil spills at production and distribution sites.

Using Vis-NIR (visible-near-infra red) spectroscopy, the scientists sent wavelengths of energy at a soil sample to gauge how much is either reflected or absorbed. According to the team, different chemical substances will do this according to their composition, thereby simplifying identification. That data is then compared to a model built in the lab from soil samples.

These laboratory-constructed soil samples contain various concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons. Source: David Weindorf

The tool, which is portable and can be used to test samples at the site of a spill, expedites the traditional testing process, which generally requires the collection of several soil samples to be collected and transported to the lab — a process that can be both time-consuming and costly.

However, to quickly restore the ecosystem surrounding an oil spill, according to researchers, oil concentrations in soil need to be determined as quickly as possible. Left untreated, the oil can prove harmful to the environment. As such, the device will reportedly expedite testing and, consequently, clean up efforts,

The research is detailed in the Journal of Environmental Quality.