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Atomic Spectroscopy

Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy

A series of collaborative learning activities and accompanying text that develop the areas of molecular and atomic spectroscopy is provided. Chapters on basics of spectrophotometry, ultraviolet/visible absorption, molecular fluorescence, infrared, Raman and atomic spectroscopy are included. These activities are intended to be done in class by students working in groups, but can be modified for use…

Atomic Spectroscopy

Students explore basic aspects of atomic spectroscopy including absorption and emission. Flame and graphite furnace AA are covered. ICP emission spectroscopy is covered. The importance of matrix effects is developed. There is an associated text that explains the answers to the questions on the worksheet.

Environmental Analysis – Lake Nakuru Flamingos: Heavy Metals

Toxic trace metals are possible culprits for the ongoing deaths of large numbers of lesser flamingos at Lake Nakuru, Kenya. In this section we explore the possible role of heavy metals in these deaths and examine instrumental methods utilized to evaluate levels of copper, zinc, lead and chromium present in Lake Nakuru sediment and suspended solid…

End Creek: Spotted Frogs and Aquatic Snails in Wetlands – A Water Quality Investigation

  Introduction This module provides a context for introducing fundamental techniques used in chemical analysis (spectrophotometry, atomic absorbance spectroscopy and ion selective electrodes) along with considerations about sampling and sample preservation. Using an active learning approach, the module explores some fundamental water quality parameters such as the concentration of inorganic cations and anions that…
Interpreting primary literature

Interpreting the Primary Literature

Introduction These assignments are designed to be capstone activities at the end of units on figures of merit (such as sensitivity and LOD), acid-base equilibria, separations, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electrochemistry. Each assignment consists of an out-of-class reading assignment drawn from the primary literature accompanied by objective questions and a set of open-ended, in-class discussion questions.…