The Chemistry Department at Smith College will acquire an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS), and an ion chromatograph mass spectrometer (IC/MS) with this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program. These instruments will be the cornerstone for a new Center for Aqueous Biogeochemical Research (CABR), an interdepartmental research center united by a central theme, exploration of the biology and chemistry of the environment. They will be used to investigate a variety of problems including 1) the biochemical basis for Cr(VI) induced carcinogenesis; 2) the biodegradation of haloacetic acids (HAAs); 3) the chemistry and structure of boron rich carbon (C6B) nanotubes and fibers; 4) NOx and SOx emissions produced upon glass batching and fining; 5) the impact of anthropogenic activities on aqueous ecosystems; 6) the relative impacts of different land-use activities on the chemistry of streams within ecologically important watersheds.
This instrumentation makes it possible to rapidly determine elements and ions in aqueous samples in concentrations down to the part per billion (ppb) level. The ability to precisely measure dissolved constituents is one of the keys to understanding the biological and geochemical processes at work in aqueous systems. The proposed equipment will have a substantial impact on training students in aqueous biogeochemistry research techniques. Hands-on experience using this state-of-the-art equipment in research and laboratory classes will prepare students for professional schools and careers in science, engineering and medical related fields.
