CRIF/RUI: Acquisition of a High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) for Enviromental Undergraduate Research and Education

Lake Superior State University, Sault Sainte Marie MI

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Lake Superior State University will acquire a high performance liquid chromatograph. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including a) the identification and monitoring of algal toxins in drinking water supplies; and b) measurement of thiaminase activity and the role of thiamine deficiency in early mortality syndrome in Great Lakes predatory fish. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. The results from these studies will have an impact in a number of areas, especially environmental chemistry and biology. This instrument will also be used as a tool for undergraduate senior research.