MRI: Acquisition of a High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer for Research in Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Northern Arizona University will acquire a High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer for Research in Chemistry and Earth Sciences. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including a) atmospheric source apportionment using isotopic signatures of lead; b) arsenic speciation in the aquatic environment; c) isotopic studies of lead, thorium and uranium in the environment; d) aqueous geochemistry; and e) genotoxicity of chromium (VI). Mass spectrometry (MS) is a technique used to probe intimate structural details and to obtain the molecular compositions of a vast array of organic, bioorganic, and organometallic molecules. The results from these studies will have an impact in a number of areas, especially environment chemistry and human health.