MRI-R2: Acquisition of an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer for Multi-Department Research Projects at Gonzaga University

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This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). With this award from the Major Research and Instrumentation (MRI) program, Eric Ross and colleagues Patrick Ferro, Mara R. London, Joanne A. Smieja and Brook O. Swanson of Gonzaga University will acquire an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) This instrument will provide advanced elemental analysis capabilities at the university and expand research opportunities of faculty and undergraduate investigators in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biology, and Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Research projects to be undertaken include studies of molecular films, analysis of metal ion association with lipid bilayers, investigations of crustacean biomaterials, environmental studies of radioactive and heavy metals, development of water treatment methods for developing countries, and investigations of solar cells and hydrogen storage materials. These projects will allow undergraduate students to engage in fundamental and applied research that will have local, national and international impact.An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer is a type of mass spectrometer that uses a high-energy plasma to generate ions from a sample. The masses of the ions produced are measured by the mass spectrometer providing an elemental analysis of the sample. Since this highly sensitive instrument is capable of detecting ions at extremely low concentrations, it is valuable for trace analysis of environmental contaminants. The instrumentation provided by this award will be available to Native American students and high school teachers through the Gonzaga Indian Education Outreach Program.