The importance of analytical techniques cannot be overemphasised. All sections of chemistry require accurate methods of analysis whether one needs to know the purity or structure of a synthesised compound, or the measurement of properties of atoms and molecules. In my group we are primarily concerned with analytical method development and applications to environmental samples.
My current research interest is to continue to develop methods of analysis for the determination of trace elements or organic residues in environmental samples and to answer such questions as-what is it and how much is there? One method is the development of a technique called "Atom Trapping". This technique uses dual silica tubes mounted in the flame of a conventional atomic absorption spectrophotometer. After collection The sample the tubes heat up rapidly in the flame releasing the "trapped" metal species, resulting in an increase in sensitivity. An application of this technique is the measurement of very low levels of cadmium and lead in drinking water. Flow injection analysis is another technique which uses an adsorption material such as alumina or an ion-exchange resin column coupled to an atomic absorption instrument to concentrate metals from solutions (speciation) and to remove interferences, e.g. sodium chloride when concentrating metals from sea water. Flow injection can be used to separate the different metal species, e.g. Cr III and Cr VI. A number of projects which follow on from this work will be available.
The determination of pesticides in residue samples is another challenging area for separation chemists and those involved in environmental sample analysis. Disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls, a cooling fluid found in electrical transformers is a problem. Two main methods have been developed which uses platinum or palladium catalysts on the injection end of a gas chromatograph. The chlorinated compounds which can include pesticides are either dechlorinated in situ in the gas phase or in a separate reaction vessel in the liquid phase. Interest in this work has been shown from many countries where the disposal of toxic chlorinated hydrocarbons is a very major problem. Not all of my projects are environmental and some are collaborative with industry. As the number of techniques available is large many different types of projects can be carried out, from the determination of illegal drugs on banknotes to aldehydes in bottled water and nonyl phenol from the breakdown of non-ionic surfactants in sewage works. (which may demonstrate oesterogenic activity and hence be of concern). Some projects include identifying marker compounds as evidence of sewage pollution.
A few typical references are as follows: