Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences - Analytical Chemistry Core for Environmental Sciences (ACCESS)

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PROJECT SUMMARY- Analytical Chemistry Core for Environmental Sciences (ACCESS) The University of Kentucky Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences (UK-CARES) ACCESS will provide Center investigators with priority access to biological and environmental sample analysis using state-of-the-science technologies, services, and instrumentation for studies related to the UK-CARES’ three science themes: Health Impacts of Waterborne Contaminants (WATER); Health Impacts of Indoor and Outdoor Airborne Contaminants (AIR); and Emerging Environmental Health Threats (EMERGING THREATS). To optimize efficiency, ACCESS uses the following two existing laboratory facilities to leverage resources available to these facilities and extend the capabilities ACCESS: the Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory (College of Agriculture Food and Environment) and the Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry Facility (College of Medicine), to measure organic chemical environmental pollutants, trace-elements, their metabolites, and related molecules of interest to UK-CARES investigators. Effective use of these facilities by UK-CARES investigators will require both routine analysis and new method development and validation. Specifically, Aim 1 of ACCESS is to provide measurements of panels of environmental chemicals. We will provide technically robust methods for detection and quantification of a range of halogenated organics: polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, trihalomethanes and haloacetonitriles, per- and poly- fluorinated alkyl substances, non-halogenated organics including flame-retardants, environmental phenols, and trace-elements, to support EHS research across the translational spectrum. Aim 2 is to develop or adapt novel methods to support ongoing needs of UK-CARES investigators. Methods will be developed de novo or adapted from the literature. We will use our Thermo TSQ Altis Plus triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer to develop and validate survey methods that can profile environmental chemicals in multiple classes using a single analytical workflow and use high-resolution MS methods employing our Thermo Exploris 240 orbitrap mass spectrometer for untargeted profiling of environmental chemicals in relevant matrices. Techniques for spatial analysis, microanalysis, and speciation analysis of trace-elements are refined for environmental health studies using our Agilent 7900 ICP-MS and associated peripherals. Aim 3 is to work with administrative and data management functions of the Center to enable robust fiscal oversight, project management, sample tracking and data reporting. We will work in tandem with the Integrated Health Sciences Facility Core and the Administrative Core to ensure that Center members receive priority access, that the activities of ACCESS are aligned with the UK-CARES strategic vision of the three science themes, and that services and outcomes are tracked through the online IHSFC Research Support Portal. ACCESS will provide reliable, technically robust methods and services while pursuing opportunities for innovation. Services provided by the core will support UK-CARES members’ efforts to make innovative contributions to environmental health science.