Investigation of Organic Materials with Environmental Pollutant Binding Capability Using Polarity-Sensitive Spectroscopic Probes

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This Research Opportunities for Women Reseach Planning Grant (ROW/RPG) in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program supports the research efforts of Professor Robin Helburn of Northern Arizona University which are aimed at characterizing environmentally important humic materials. The focus of this research is the characterization of the hydrophobic binding properties of these dissolved and colloidal phase materials using spectroscopic dyes. A series of polarity-sensitive indicators will be used to probe the relative lipophilicity of binding environments in natural humic acids, and in lignin- and petroleum-based surfactants, all of which have solute transport capabilities. In a separate study, these indicators will be used to monitor the formation of organic aggregates as induced by divalent cations. This project combines the PI's background in environmental analytical chemistry and her expertise in chemometrics with her interest in these complex heterogeneous substances. In addition to initiating this female scientist's research program in environmental chemistry, support of this project will complement the established undergraduate research program at Northern Arizona University.