Funds from this Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program grant will support acquisition of quadrupole detection inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (quad-ICP-MS) and an ion chromatograph to support research in low temperature environmental geochemistry. The instruments will a support a range of faculty and student research at the University of Michigan ? Dearborn, a non-Ph.D. granting institution, with a central theme on investigation of industrial pollutant heavy metal contamination of water, soils and sediments in the Detroit metropolitan area. Examples include studies of particle size affinity and redox sensitivity of mineral-trace metal interactions in regional industry impacted rivers; studies of trace metal source and concentrations in local precipitation; and investigation of trace metal-plant interactions in order to evaluate the bioremedial potential of various plant species. The equipment will support an M.S. and undergraduate program in Environmental Science with a focus on urban surface and groundwater trace metal geochemistry and bioremediation strategies. UM-D is currently funded by NSF/GEO for K-12 outreach to the diverse student body in the Detroit metro region. The instruments to be acquired will complement that program.
