A gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer system with thermal desorption capability has been acquired which permits the quantatative identification of complex organic compounds at low levels in air, water, and soil. This system complements the inorganic, microbiologic, and radiologic environmental monitoring and analysis capabilities of the department. Such equipment is vital to the education of the students in the earth sciences and the environmental sciences and engineering areas, all of whom receive extensive training in most aspects of environmental testing and most of whom secure positions with governmental agencies, private laboratories, environmental groups, or companies directly concerned with environmental testing and assessment. The relative importance of organic compounds in the enviromnent is increasing and students should be provided with the education necessary to identify and assess the sighnificance of these compounds. The grantee provides funds for this project that are more than an equal match for the NSF award.
