This project upgrades the quality of laboratory instruction in analytical chemistry at IUP by the purchase of a modern atomic absorption spectrometer. This project has a beneficial effect on the professional education of all the students majoring or minoring chemistry or chemical education, as well as on the medical technology majors and many related fields. Included in this project are a variety of specific laboratory exercises in flame, electrothermal, and cold-vapor techniques of atomic absorption spectrometry. Students also sue this instrument in undergraduate research in projects such as trace heavy metal analysis of environmental samples and development of new techniques for preconcentration/speciation of traces of metal species in solution. The instutution is matching the NLSF grant with an equal amount of funds.
