MRI-R2: Acquisition of an XRD, FTIR, and WDS for Integrated Mineralogical and Geochemical Studies at Middlebury College

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0959306RyanThis award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).This Major Research Instrumentation Recovery and Reinvestment (MRI-R2) Program grant supports acquisition of x-ray diffractometer (XRD) and a wavelength dispersive spectrometer (WDS) that will be mated to an existing scanning electron microscope at Middlebury College. The XRD will support research requiring mineral phase identification and crystallographic structure refinements and will be outfitted with a temperature controlled sample stage to allow for kinetic studies. The SEM equipped WDS will allow for microchemical analysis of solid materials. PI research will include studies of arsenic speciation in aquifer rocks and groundwaters from northern Vermont to evaluate toxicity and sources. An existing FTIR will support this research. Other research application of requested instruments will include studies of Quaternary climate as recorded in lake and marine sediments and soil minerals. The requested instruments will support PI research and undergraduate student research training at this liberal arts college located in Vermont, an EPSCoR state, as well as collaborators from regional institutions. The grant is well aligned with ARRA goals as the equipment to be purchased will be through instrument manufacturer U.S. sales offices that support U.S. employees.***