Instructional Use of a Polarized Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer in Chemistry

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Atomic absorption spectrometry is of fundamental importance in modern analytical chemistry. It provides many useful illustrations of spectroscopic principles, and makes methods for trace metal analysis available to students investigating a number of environmental problems. A Hitachi Z-8100 atomic absorption spectrometer equipped with flame, graphite furnace, and polarized Zeeman background correction capabilities was purchases. This instrument is used at all levels in our chemistry program including (a) in general chemistry for cobalt analysis; (b) in sophomore analytical chemistry for the determination of metal nutrients in foods and for a variety of individual student projects within the course; (c) in Environmental chemistry for measurement of lead and other toxic metal and water, soil, and sewage sludge; (d) in the Instrumental Analysis course: and (e) in Techniques of Water Analysis. The polarized Zeeman background correction feature greatly improves the reliability of measurements on samples in complex matrices. The institution is matching the NSF grant with an equal amount of funds.