Acquisition of a GC-MS and a GC-FID for Research in Environmental Science at Bates College

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With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Bates College will acquire two gas chromatographs, one with mass spectrometric detection and one with flame ionization detection. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including a) the study of molecular mechanisms of metalloenzyme-mediated alkane transformations in the environment; b) studies of tributyl tin levels in organisms and their effects on gross morphological changes in snails; and c) the analysis of biomolecules (lipids, lignin, phenols, amino acids) in the sedimentary and fossil record for paleoenvironmental applications. Gas chromatograph with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS) or gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. This instrument will substantially strengthen scientific research within the multidisciplinary Environmental Studies program at Bates College, and will also encourage collaboration between researchers in Chemistry, Biology, and Geology.