Undergraduate Introductory Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory Course: Interdisciplinary Group Projects in Phytoremediation

Abstract

In this interdisciplinary laboratory course, groups of beginning students complete semester-long projects studying soil chemistry, plant uptake of metals, and environmental analysis while applying their knowledge to the research area of phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is the use of plants capable of accumulating pollutants to reduce levels in contaminated soils or water. In a series of short experiments, students learn methods for sample collection and preparation including collection of an aqueous runoff sample and digestion of soil and plants. Chemical analysis methods presented include the determination of soil pH, potentiometric titration of carbonates, determination of anions by ion chromatography, measurement of cation-exchange capacity of soil using an ammonium ion selective electrode, and trace-metal analysis using ion chromatography or atomic absorption spectrometry. Students begin reviews of scientific literature early in the course that are relevant to their projects, use computer software t...