MRI: Acquisition of an ICP-MS Supporting Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research in Biogeochemistry, Materials Science, Archaeological Chemistry, and Bioinorganic Chemistry

Grinnell College, Grinnell IA

Investigators

Abstract

This award will support the purchase of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) with laser ablation and mercury speciation capabilities. This instrument will enable cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research by researchers at Grinnell College working in the areas of: 1) pollution control and prevention, with a focus on water quality; 2) carbon cycling in arid environments; 3) renewable energy generation and storage; 4) analysis of archaeological artifacts to reconstruct human history; and 5) novel approaches to chemical synthesis. The instrumentation will promote faculty-mentored undergraduate student research and education at Grinnell, giving students and faculty access to modern, cutting-edge instrumentation for elemental analysis in both research and active-pedagogy driven coursework. Grinnell College has a longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access in the sciences; the research supported by this MRI award will also help to broaden participation of historically underrepresented students in the fields of geoscience, environmental science, and materials science. The ICP-MS to be funded is a Perkin Elmer Nexion 2000 ICP-MS with associated autosamplers for mercury speciation (Brooks Rand MERX-M and MERX-T) and laser ablation (LA) system (ESI NWR213). Specific applications of the instrument include: 1) investigations of mercury cycling in aquatic environments (especially methylmercury production and degradation); 2) investigations into the role of non-rainfall moisture and associated trace element deposition in carbon cycling in arid environments; 3) synthesis and characterization of novel thin film photo and oxygen reduction catalysts; 4) sourcing provenance and trade routes of archaeological materials from Asia and the American Southwest; and 5) characterization of interactions between synthetic transition metal complexes and proteins. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.