MRI: Acquisition Of A Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer And Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer To Facilitate The Kanawha River Project.

University Of Charleston, Charleston WV

Investigators

Abstract

0115918 Poslusny This grant, made through the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, provides support for the acquisition of state-of-the-art instrumentation which will be used to integrate research on the Kanawha River Project into the educational experience of undergraduate environmental science majors at the University of Charleston (West Virginia) and K-12 students and teachers within the Appalachian region. Specifically, a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) will be purchased. The AAS will be used to carry out metal studies on the Kanawha River. Students will measure trace levels of lead, mercury, cadmium and also monitor other metals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and tin. The GC/MS will be used to determine levels of organic pollutants in the river, including polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorinated dioxins and furans, pesticides, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. This instrument will also be used to help identify other contaminants in the river. A series of river-based research projects will enrich the educational experiences of undergraduate environmental science majors at the University of Charleston. The instrumentation will also be used in ongoing outreach projects that will bring area teachers and students on campus to participate in a variety of environmental science experiments and research activities. ***