Rapid detection of soils contaminated with heavy metals and oils by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

•A LIBS method was developed to detect heavy metals and oils in soils.•Soil samples were collected from abandoned mining areas and military camps.•Clean soils were distinguished from heavy metal- or oil-contaminated soils.•Effects of matrix of soils on the LIBS response were investigated.•Pelletizing and sieving of soils were useful to minimize matrix effect.