1999 GSA Annual Meeting -- Denver, Colorado
1999 GSA Annual Meeting -- Denver, Colorado
Author(s): CRISP, Edward L., ecrisp@alpha.wvup.wvnet.edu; KRONBERG, Joyce R.; GRIFFIN, Marshall S.; Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Virginia University at Parkersburg, 300 Campus Dr., Parkersburg, W.V., 26101
Keywords: atomic absorption, spectrophotometry, geoscience education
During the summer of 1997, NSF DUE-ILI grant funds (NSF Award No. 9651104), with matching funds from West Virginia University at Parkersburg, were used to purchase an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and the equipment necessary for analysis of cations commonly encountered in biological and geological materials. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry as an analytical tool has been successfully implemented into lower division science courses in the areas of chemistry, physical science, earth science, environmental science, geology, and anatomy and physiology. Flame atomic absorption and/or flame emission spectrophotometry has been successfully used by students in chemistry to determine Pb in water samples, by students in anatomy and physiology to determine Pb in urine samples, and by environmental science students to determine Na in water samples and industrial products. Students in physical geology, earth science, and physical science have successfully used atomic absorption to determine Ca and Mg in water samples, with the conversion of the results to the equivalent calcium carbonate water hardness. Selected upper division undergraduate students are completing environmental and geological research projects relative to local water quality and trace elements in carbonates using the atomic absorption instrument. In addition, one of the authors is working with a local high school student on a project involving trace cations in dairy milk. Student interest is high for laboratory sessions and projects involving the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The use of this quantitative analytical method allows students to collect samples and data, prepare samples for analysis, prepare calibration standards, analyze data by graphing and other mathematical techniques, and draw conclusions as to the meaning of the data. Students also gain knowledge and experience relative to a chemical analytical technique that is widely used in industry for the chemical analysis of various materials.
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