Chemical Analysis of an Endangered Conifer: Environmental Laboratory Experiments

Abstract

Environmental chemistry has been investigated as a mechanism to increase student interest in chemistry. Here are described three examples of environmental chemistry experiments derived from research involving a conifer, the Fraser fir (Abies fraseri), that has suffered decline in its native sites in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Elemental analysis of foliage was used to assess the effects of acidic deposition and pollution levels. Volatile compounds were identified and determined in foliage and other plant tissues by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC. Chlorophylls a and b were determined by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy by simultaneous analysis of a two-component mixture. Each of these experiments may be performed as a two-week experiment with procedures provided to students, or used as a semester-long project. These experiments may be readily adapted for use with different plant species or tissues.