Acquisition of a pXRF and pLIBS Instrument Suite for Geochemistry Research in the Urban Environment

便携式X射线荧光（pXRF）和便携式激光诱导击穿光谱（pLIBS）仪器将用于地球化学研究，以确定自然，城市和人类影响环境中土壤，沉积物和其他环境介质的元素组成。罗格斯大学纽瓦克分校是一个西班牙裔服务机构，支持的项目和活动将吸引来自不同背景的学生，并促进他们参与基于地方的研究和教育。这些仪器将提供给本科研究人员和研究生，包括参加NSF赞助的项目的学生，以扩大对地球科学的参与。在现场和实验室使用的仪器将包括在课程模块和课堂项目，以丰富学生在相关课程的教育经验。易于使用和仪器便携性将有助于纳入社区项目，让公众参与STEM研究，以及教育和K-12学生参与的外展计划。便携式X射线荧光（pXRF）和便携式激光诱导击穿光谱（pLIBS）仪器的采购将通过提供天然，城市和人类影响的环境。该仪器套件可对多种元素进行定量和定性分析，包括碳等轻元素。仪器能力将与补充的实验室和先进的分析技术相结合，用于元素分析、形态分析和基质测定。pXRF/pLIBS仪器套件将用于地球化学研究，对土壤和沉积物中的重金属、主要元素和营养元素进行现场和实地分析。支持的项目将研究与教育和社区参与相结合，包括新泽西纽瓦克土壤中重金属的空间分布和形态;新泽西草地沉积物中遗留污染物的地球化学;以及农业土壤中的微量营养素和碳循环。活动和项目将通过本地和国际研究优先培训本科研究人员和研究生;在课程中，并作为全球化课程的一部分;并在NSF赞助的项目，支持在地球科学中代表性不足的群体的参与。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并已被认为是值得通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估的支持。

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and portable laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (pLIBS) instruments will be used in Geochemistry research to determine the elemental compositions of soils, sediments, and other environmental media in natural, urban, and human-impacted environments. Rutgers University-Newark is a Hispanic Serving Institution, and supported projects and activities will engage students from diverse backgrounds and foster their participation in place-based research and education. The instruments will be accessible to undergraduate researchers and graduate students, including students participating in NSF-sponsored programs to broaden participation in the Geosciences. Use of the instruments in the field and laboratory will be included in course modules and class projects to enrich the educational experience of students in relevant courses. Ease of use and instrument portability will facilitate inclusion in community- based projects that involve the public in STEM research, and outreach initiatives for education and engagement of K-12 students.Acquisition of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and portable laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (pLIBS) instruments will enhance Geochemistry research by providing in-field non- destructive analysis of elemental concentrations in natural, urban and human-impacted environments. The instrument suite enables quantitative and qualitative analysis of a wide range of elements, including light elements such as carbon. Instrument capabilities will be coupled with complementary laboratory-based and advanced analytical techniques for elemental analysis, speciation, and matrix determination. The pXRF/pLIBS instrument suite will be used in Geochemistry research for in-situ and in-field analyses of heavy metals, major elements and nutrient elements in soils and sediments. Projects to be supported integrate research with education and community engagement, and include heavy metal spatial distribution and speciation in Newark, New Jersey soils; the geochemistry of legacy pollutants in sediments of the New Jersey Meadowlands; and micronutrient and carbon cycling in agricultural soils. Activities and projects will prioritize training of undergraduate researchers and graduate students through local and international research; in courses and as part of a globalized curriculum; and in NSF-sponsored programs that support participation of groups underrepresented in the Geosciences.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.