9452375 Rose A modern, computer automated system for atomic absorption spectrometry has been purchased. The project is to enhance the education and research capabilities of undergraduate students who are preparing to enter the fields of environmental geology and geochemistry by giving sophisticated "hands-on" assignments in water analyses. The project emphasizes an integrated approach that includes project conception, planning of the sampling strategy, carrying out the sampling, carrying out the water analyses, data reduction and presentation, report writing, and ethical considerations regarding the use and abuse of scientific data. The proposed project represents an upgrading of a prototype project completed successfully in Spring, 1993, which involved determinations of Pb in campus drinking fountains. A small subset of students in Environmental Geology assessed the Pb concentrations of drinking water in light of the EPA action level of 2O ppb Pb. The students used an old, manual, and relatively inaccurate graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The proposed new automated instrument enables this and similar assignments to be carried out with superior results by all of the Environmental Geology students, resulting in a better educated and better prepared graduating class of scientists headed for professional careers in environmental geology and geochemistry.
