Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Braving The Elements: Loss Of Metals From Mardi Gras Beads Due To Handling And Weathering, Thomas O. Carmichael, Ruth H. Carmichael

Gulf and Caribbean Research

The largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the U.S. are found along the Gulf of Mexico coast. With increasing awareness of and concern for environmental and human health risks due to pollution from Mardi Gras celebrations, there is a need for studies to quantify potential harms. We conducted a 2—part study to determine whether use—related handling and weathering of common Mardi Gras beaded necklaces results in loss of potentially harmful metals to the environment at levels of ecological or human health concern. Our data indicate that weathering and use—related handling can cause metals to be shed from the metallic coating of …

Evaluation Of Iron Element By New Cpe Method And (Icp-Ms) In The Wastewater Of The Lifting And Treatment Stations, Mohammed Nasser Hussain, Ahmed Fadhil Khudhair, Hussain Jawad Ahmed

Al-Bahir Journal for Engineering and Pure Sciences

A new micell-mediated phase separation technique has been created to preconcentrate levels of iron before measuring it using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The method is based on the extraction of iron from the 1-Nitroso-2- naphthol reagent using Triton X-114 in a cloud point extraction procedure, where the method's ideal conditions were attained. 0.2 mL of Triton X-114, 2.887 mmol. L-1 of 1-Nitroso-2-naphthol reagent, pH = 8, 60 ºC. The Iron detection limit for the method is 0.05 µg. mL-1, and the RSD% is 4.728 µg. mL-1. Linearity was maintained in the iron concentration range of 0.25 to 16 µg. mL-1. Furthermore, …

Research Instrumentation Center (Ric), Ryan Hilger, Purdue University Office Of Research

University Research Core Facility Boilerplate Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Study Of Trace Elements In Southern Nevada Spring Waters And Lakes, Hyejeong Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Comprehending the natural water resource is imperative for the entire state of Nevada and of particular significance for Southern Nevada, where rapid population growth and climate change are placing significant strain on supplies. This research underscores the significance of water chemistry in identifying potential water source areas through trace elements. For the first time, the study proposed measuring the compositions of the entire suite of metal elements, ranging from Li to U, in over 40 springs in the Moapa Valley and its upper gradient valleys, utilizing the iCAP Qc ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) at UNLV. The research evaluated …

The Concentration Of Heavy Metals In Lincoln Nebraska's Tap Water, Evan Neuhaus

Honors Theses

Heavy metals are commonplace in nature, and are typically found in scarce quantities in all drinking sources. However, in high enough concentrations, they can have a myriad of negative health effects. This study seeks to find the concentrations of such metals in the Lincoln water supply utilizing the resources of the Water Center at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. To test for discrete concentrations of trace elements, a method of using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was implemented. ICP-MS uses plasma to ionize and atomize a sample which is then filtered into a series of cones into a …

Assessments Of Water Chemistry And Fish Community Structure In The Buffalo Creek Watershed, Tributary To The Allegheny River In Armstrong And Butler Counties, Pennsylvania, Kathleen Wilson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Buffalo Creek watershed has experienced water quality impairments for various reasons, including but not limited to, agricultural influence, abandoned mine drainage (AMD), on-site wastewater malfunction, and stormwater. The source and cause of the most prevalent impaired areas remains unknown. The goal of this study was to analyze water chemistry using state water quality standards and mass ratio analysis, then to conduct fish community analysis. We found toxic metal pollution across the watershed, with iron, cadmium, copper, and selenium frequently exceeding criteria. We determined which streams are polluted by resource extraction activities by conducting mass ratio analysis. We found conventional …

Mercury Methylation Potentials In Sediments Of An Ancient Cypress Wetland Using Species-Specific Isotope Dilution Gc-Icp-Ms, Derek D. Bussan, Chris Douvris, James V. Cizdziel

Faculty and Student Publications

Wetlands are of a considerable environmental value as they provide food and habitat for plants and animals. Several important chemical transformations take place in wetland media, including the conversion of inorganic mercury (Hg) to monomethylmercury (MeHg), a toxic compound with a strong tendency for bioconcentration. Considering the fact that wetlands are hotspots for Hg methylation, we investigated, for the first time, Hg methylation and demethylation rates in an old growth cypress wetland at Sky Lake in the Mississippi Delta. The Sky Lake ecosystem undergoes large-scale water level fluctuations causing alternating periods of oxic and anoxic conditions in the sediment. These …

Investigating Provenance And Authenticity Using Icp-Ms In The University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Art Collection: A Case Study Of Luristan Bronzes, Hannah Rillie

Theses and Dissertations

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Art Collection (UWMAC) holds a group of supposed Luristan bronzes with limited provenances. The lack of provenance, archaeological or otherwise, coupled with the prevalence of forged Luristan bronzes across private and public collections introduced questions of authenticity regarding the UWMAC’s collection of bronzes. To address these questions, the typical art historical and visual analyses were conducted to supplement the chemical compositional analysis done using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Of the three artifacts successfully sampled and tested, the Ibex Whetstone Handle (1985.002.38) was determined to be iron while the Master of Animals Finial for Standard (1985.002.48) and …

Determination Of Metals In Whey And Vegan Protein Supplements Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Megan Lofaso

Honors Theses

Driven by a demand for health and wellness products worldwide, the dietary supplement industry continues to expand with an economic impact >$100 billion in the USA alone. However, the industry is plagued by a lack of regulation and incidents of contamination, including with toxic heavy metals that can put consumers at potential risk. In this study, eight trace elements (Cd, Pb, Fe, Co, Mn, V, Cu, and Cr), including heavy metals (Cd and Pb), were determined in whey and vegan protein powder by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave-assisted digestion using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Samples were …

Otolith Microchemistry Reveals Low Habitat Connectivity Of California Killifish (Fundulus Parvipinnis) Across A Range Of Spatial Scales, Lisa Robison

Theses

As wetlands face continued fragmentation worldwide, an understanding of habitat connectivity and how fishes that rely on these environments is imperative to conduct effective marine management. Site fidelity and habitat connectivity are vital measures of the interdependence of fish populations living in neighboring marshes (or in regions of a single marsh).

Here, we examine the habitat connectivity, site fidelity, and movement of California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis) within and among three estuaries in Southern California through otolith microelemental analysis. Assessing the site fidelity of estuarine fishes is important to determine the level of connectivity between spatially distinct populations within …

Application Of Passive Air Samplers For Atmospheric Research, And Determination Of Metals In Tree Rings And Marine Sapropel By Icp-Ms, Byunggwon Jeon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on studies of atmospheric mercury (Hg) using passive air samplers (PAS) and studies of trace elements in tree cores and sediment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mercury is a toxic element that is dispersed globally through the atmosphere. Accurately measuring airborne Hg concentrations aids understanding of the pollutant’s sources, distribution, cycling, and trends. Mercury PAS are designed to capture gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) at a known rate. Compared to active air sampling the low-cost of PAS allows for greater spatial coverage. We used a commercially available Hg PAS (MerPAS®) and observed differences in GEM between …

Accurate Quantitation Of Hexavalent Chromium For Reference Standard Certification And Quality Control Testing Using Speciated Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry, James E. Henderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ability to perform accurate, repeatable, and defensible elemental and molecular speciated analysis is immensely significant for measurements that support human health, environmental science, and industry. This is especially true since trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] is necessary for proper nutrition, while hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is extremely toxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic. The main challenges associated with speciated analysis are related to reactive species that are continuously transformed or converted to other species during sample processing. Accurate determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species require a method that is capable of monitoring and correcting for interconversion, bias, and instrumental error. Traditional quantitative methods, such …

Novel Approaches To The Determination Of Toxic Metals In Industrial Waste And Soil Extracts, Garrett Bruce Finn

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract:Because of their environmental impact, the contamination and migration of heavy metals is an important field of study. In this thesis, two novel methods for measuring toxic metals over a broad concentration range in complex matrices were successfully developed and applied to authentic samples. This research focused on toxic metals in two disparate environments: industrial effluent and soil. The primary work reported in this research focused on developing a Sequential Injection Analysis (SIA) process monitor to measure metals in industrial process waste streams in near real-time. Molecular Absorption Spectroscopy was used to determine levels of Zn and several other metals. …

Improving Thorium-230 Determination In Marine Sediment, Katherine Mateos

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Our oceans are intimately related to the climate of our planet. Paleoceanographic approaches aim to study oceans through geologic time to improve models of future climate. Radioisotopes provide us with chemical tracers that help us understand change through time. The uraniumseries decay chain contains thorium-230, a decay product of uranium-234. This isotope is useful to paleoceanographers in its disequilibrium to its parent isotope and in determining the flux of sediment falling to the ocean floor. In order to use 230Th to study oceans, we must be able to accurately measure the amount of thorium in sediment samples. Thorium is found …

Ion Transport In A Commercial Icp-Ms, Jessica Joline Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

The performance of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, ICP-MS, depends on the instrument's ability to transport sample ions through the vacuum interface and focus the ions into a well-defined beam that will eventually reach the mass analyzer. In this study two main experiments were performed on the Perkin Elmer NexION 300S, a commercial ICP-MS. First, planar laser-induced fluorescence images were taken of the ion beam in a working instrument downstream from a unique quadrupole ion deflector. The images showed the ability of the instrument design to focus the ions in the ion beam. Second, laser-induced fluorescence was used to …

Development Of A Sample Preparation Strategy For The Determination Of Tungsten In Soil Samples By Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Using A Response Surface Methodology, Ümran Seven Erdemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

An alternative rapid digestion method has been developed for the determination of tungsten (W) in soil samples using fractionation studies and response surface methodology. The digestion method using the Kjeldahl instrument was applied to samples, and soluble tungsten was determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Digestion parameters were selected depending on the results of fractionation studies and optimized using a four-factor and five-level central composite design. The contributions of the phosphoric acid concentration (X$_{1})$, digestion temperature (X$_{2})$, digestion time (X$_{3})$, and hydrochloric acid concentration (X$_{4})$ were evaluated for the determination of W from samples in which its levels were …

In Situ Geochemistry Of Middle Ordovician Dolomites Of The Upper Mississippi Valley: Evaluation Of The Dorag Model And New Implications For Dolomitizing Fluids, John Michael Callen

LSU Master's Theses

The dolomitization and diagenetic history of Ordovician carbonates of southern Wisconsin has been studied for over a century. Previous studies attributed dolomitization to various single or multiple diagenetic factors and environments. The goal of the study was to resolve arguments regarding dolomitization models, including Badiozamani’s often cited but recently questioned mixing zone model, using LA-ICP-MS focusing on REE to determine the nature of dolomitizing fluids. Analysis revealed that particulate material incorporated into the dolomite affected the geochemical results of many of the samples. Integrating geochemical data with petrographic evidence for diagenetic history, the studied Decorah Formation dolomites were assigned to …

Advances In High-Throughput Analysis: Automated Radiochemical Separations And Nanopillar Based Separations And Field Enhanced Spectroscopy, Jennifer Jeanne Charlton

Doctoral Dissertations

Often the need to analyze a large number of samples coincide with critical time consternates. At such times, the implementation of high-throughput technologies is paramount. In this work we explore some viable pathways for high-throughput analysis and develop advancements in novel forms of detection of materials that are vital in the environmental, biological as well as national security arenas. Through the use of new protocols with high sensitivity and specificity as well as simplified chemical processing and sample preparation we aim to allow for improved throughput, fieldable detection, and rapid data acquisition of extensive sample sets. The methods developed in …

Laser Ablation Icp-Ms Of Actinide Oxides As Simulated Used Nuclear Fuels, Keri Campbell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The ability to examine elemental and isotopic ratios of fuels, waste forms, and other solids by direct analysis using laser ablation techniques can greatly reduce analysis costs and time. This is particularly true for actinide elements, as they contain useful information of the fuel cycle and nuclear forensics. Current methods to evaluate the composition of used fuel include a lengthy process of digestion, separations and often require multiple techniques and sample preparations to determine the elemental and isotopic composition. Furthermore all spatial information is lost during the digestion process, eliminating potentially useful data for detailed analysis. The goal of this …

The Implications Of Content Analysis For The Interpretation Of Unguentaria In Museum Collections, Jenna L. Mortensen

Theses and Dissertations

Scent has traditionally been an ephemeral component of rituals in ancient societies, including burial and other practices associated with the anointing of the body (Classen et al. 1994: 43; Houston and Taube 2000: 271). This thesis investigates the possible signifiers and social impact such scents might have had for individuals participating in such rituals by using the little explored approach of sensory archaeology. A discussion of the correlation between olfaction and the triggering of both the experiential and emotional aspects of memory contributes to a broader view of these rituals in the anthropological literature (Classen et al. 1994), while Houston …

Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging Of Calcium And Barium Ion Beams In The Second Vacuum Stage Of A Commercial Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, Alisa Jane Edmund

Theses and Dissertations

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) have become the workhorses of many analytical labs over the past few decades. Despite the instruments' high sensitivities and low detection limits there is still a demand for improvements in several aspects of their performance. One area of improvement is in the understanding of "space charge effects" Space charge effects are classified as problems associated with the ion beam. Problems are created when the mutual repulsions of the ions make consistent focusing of the ion beam difficult. This is particularly problematic with samples containing a low concentration analyte contained within a high salt solution matrix, …

Determination Of Metallic Constituents In Environmental And Biological Materials, Monique Erica Johnson

Open Access Dissertations

Studies of the interaction of the relevant metal, metalloid or nanoparticulate species with biological systems are underpinned by the provision of reliable information about chemical composition of the relevant materials. Often, no methods of chemical analysis are available. The work described in this dissertation centers on developing methods to help with studies for a variety of analytes and samples. A method was developed for the determination of 11 trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Ti, and Zn) in human breast milk and infant formulas by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) following microwave-assisted digestion. …

Determination And Speciation Of Arsenic In Environmental And Biological Samples, Tiffany Berg

Open Access Dissertations

A method was developed for the determination of total arsenic in rice grain by microwave-assisted digestion inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Standard calibration solutions were matrix-matched with respect to acid concentration and carbon content post-digest. The importance of eliminating the drying step during sample preparation procedures was investigated. The method was validated with spikes containing standard arsenate solutions into the rice matrix, and with certified reference material SRM1568a (rice flour) from NIST. The method was successfully applied to a commercially available rice sample. Four arsenic species [arsenate (As(V)), arsenite (As(III)), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA)] were extracted from …

Quantitative Analysis Of Some Important Metals And Metalloids In Tobacco Products By Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (Icp-Ms), Syed Ghulam Musharraf, Muhammad Shoaib, Amna Jabbar Siddiqui, Muhammad Najam-Ul-Haq, Aftab Ahmed

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Large scale usage of tobacco causes a lot of health troubles in human. Various formulations of tobacco are extensively used by the people particularly in developing world. Besides several toxic tobacco constituents some metals and metalloids are also believed to pose health risks. This paper describes inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) quantification of some important metals and metalloids in various brands of smoked, sniffed, dipped and chewed tobacco products.

Results: A microwave-assisted digestion method was used for sample preparation. The method was validated by analyzing a certified reference material. Percentage relative standard deviation (% R.S.D.) between recovered …

Iron And Manganese Based Nanomaterials For The Removal Of Selenite And Selenate From Aqueous Solution, Christina Marie Gonzalez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Selenium, a naturally occurring element in the environment, is an essential nutrient for humans and animals. However, there is a narrow range between selenium deficiency and toxicity. Selenium in natural waters generally has a concentration of < 10 ppb (parts per billion); however, in the San Joaquin Valley of California concentrations of selenium ranging from 140 to 1400 ppb have been observed. Anthropogenic practices such as agricultural irrigation drainage, coal burning power plants, combustion of fossil fuels, and mining operations are increasing selenium concentrations in aqueous environments. Once in aqueous environments, selenium exists primarily as the two inorganic oxoanions selenite (SeO32-) and selenate (SeO42-). Both of these selenium oxoanions are known to bioaccumulate and can cause embryotoxic and teratogenic effects to waterfowl. There has been a variety of treatment technologies developed for remediation of both selenium oxoanions in water including bacterial reduction, membrane filtration, chemical reduction, reverse osmosis, and solar ponds. However, these treatment technologies are not cost efficient. In this study an alternative treatment technique known as adsorption was used with three synthetic nanomaterials consisting of an iron oxide, manganese oxide, and an iron/manganese oxide. The pH profiles, time dependencies, competitive anion effects, and adsorption isotherms were performed with each of the nanomaterials for both selenite and selenate. In addition, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies were performed to determine both the oxidation state and binding coordination of the selenium oxoanion binding to the nanomaterials.

The investigation revealed the non microwave-assisted and microwave-assisted synthetic Fe3O4 and Mn3O4 nanomaterials, as well as the non microwave-assisted synthetic MnFe2O4 nanomaterial had the phases of magnetite, hausmannite, and Jacobsite, while the grain sizes were 27, 25, 25, 34, and 27 nm, respectively. The optimal binding of selenium oxoanions for all nanomaterials examined was reached at pH 4. Both non microwave-assisted and microwave-assisted Fe3O4 …

Ion Transport Behaviors Upstream And Downstream From The Sampling Cone Of An Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, Haibin Ma

Theses and Dissertations

Inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the technique of choice worldwide for trace elemental determinations because of its excellent ionization ability, low detection limits and fast analysis speeds. However, the ICP-MS still suffers from some disadvantages, such as spectral overlap and severe matrix effects. Matrix effects or interferences, partly arise from changes in the analyte transmission through the interfacial region between the ICP and mass spectrometer with changes in sample matrix. Better understanding of the transmission behaviors of analyte through the sampling and skimmer cones will provide the insights needed to alleviate matrix interferences and to improve the …

Biomonitoring For Exposure To Trace Elements In Utero : Analysis Of The Human Placenta, Pamela Catherine Kruger

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The placenta forms in eutherian mammals, and is responsible for the nutrition of the developing fetus. However, maternal exposure to environmental pollutants both before and during pregnancy may result in the passage of toxins through the placental barrier and into fetal tissues. The placenta is the only organ derived from both maternal and fetal tissues, and establishes a link between the fetus and the environmental exposures of the mother. The analysis of placentae for the presence of environmental pollutants offers the possibility of exposure measurements in both the mother and the developing fetus. Specifically, trace element determination in human placentae …

Testing Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Methods Against The Fluid Equations In The Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, William R. Somers

Theses and Dissertations

A Direct Simulation Monte Carlo fluid dynamics code named FENIX has been employed to study gas flow-through properties of the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Simulation data have been tested against the Navier-Stokes and heat equations in order to see if FENIX functions properly. The Navier-Stokes and heat equations have been constructed from simulation data and are compared term by term. This comparison shows that FENIX is able to correctly reproduce fluid dynamics throughout the ICP-MS simulation, with an exception immediately behind the ICP-MS sampler cone, where the continuum criterion for the Navier-Stokes equation is not met. Testing the …

Determination Of Trace Elements In Siliceous Samples By Icp-Ms After Precipitation Of Silicon As Sodium Fluorosilicate, Z Arslan, Jf Tyson

Chemistry Department Faculty Publication Series

No abstract provided.

Ion Transmission In The First Vacuum Stage Of An Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, Jeffrey Harris Macedone

Theses and Dissertations

The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) is the instrument of choice for trace and ultra-trace elemental analysis. However, the ICP-MS suffers from matrix effects. Matrix effects occur when instrument response varies as the composition of the sample matrix is changed. Matrix effects, or non-spectroscopic interferences, limit the accuracy of routine analysis. Identification of the sources of matrix effects provide a basis for reducing or eliminating them. As inaccuracies in the ICP-MS are more severe than those in the ICP atomic emission spectrometer, the problem may be due, at least in part, to the vacuum interface used to couple the …