Characterization of Saale River Sediments by IR Spectroscopy Charakterisierung von Saale-Sedimenten durch Infrarotspektroskopie

The main constituents of sediment samples of the river Saale were analysed by IR spectroscopy. The composition of the sediments is determined mainly by the geological conditions (increase of carbonates, decrease of clays along the stream). Anthropogenic influences on the main components were not recognized. IR spectroscopy connected with multivariate data treatment is a suitable method to determine the main components of sediments and soils presupposed that the particle size distribution of the samples is similar. A quantitative chemical analysis in terms of individual substances or substance groups is possible if a set of reference spectra can be compiled.