Liberal arts students and potential chemistry majors in the second semester of general chemistry laboratory will carry out modern instrument-based analyses of natural water samples. Results will form an annually updated data base for local environmental monitoring. Concentrations of ammonia, oxygen, fluoride, chloride, hydronium, nitrate, nitrite, and hypochlorite ions, and total hardness will be determined. Students will learn concepts of sample collection and preservation, the chemical complexity of natural samples, and standard (EPA) analytical methods. The instruments to be used are spectrophotometers and pH/ISE meters with ion selective electrodes. A high school chemistry class will also perform these exercises. The grantee will match the NSF award from non-Federal sources.
