This project, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, is a continuation of efforts in laboratory automation and robotics. Professor Frank A. Settle and his students at the Virginia Military Institute have designed a fully automated system for the colorimetric analysis of ortho-phosphate. They will expand this system to incorporate the analysis of transition metal analytes using automated flow injection analysis (FIA). Selected metal analytes will be treated with a chelating reagent to form a highly colored water insoluble dithiozone derivative whose absorbance is proportional to the metal analyte concentration. Prof. Settle will use surfactant chemistry to solubilize the reaction products and eliminate the need for solvent extraction. A full laboratory information management system (LIMS) will be developed for this assay, which incorporate the use of a Zymark BenchMate robot for sample handling and reagent preparation. Professors Settle and Sienerth will supervise a 10 week summer research experience for undergraduate students, in addition to supervising selected research students during the academic year. These students will be trained in quality control and method validation procedures, computer interfacing and programming, software development, and analytical instrumentation and chemical methods. An active laboratory information management system (LIMS) has been developed for control of two independent automated procedures for the colorimetric analysis of metal analytes. This system incorporates facilities for control of a Zymark robot for reagent and sample preparation, validation and calibration of the equipment and methods using `Good Automated Laboratory Practice` guidelines, and data storage, manipulation, and final report presentation. The research program described will provide a rich training ground for undergraduate students and provide them with the laboratory and computer skills demanded in `real world` industrial applications.
