High-Resolution Continuum Source Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Environmental and Human Health Research

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We are requesting a novel High-Resolution Continuum Source Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (HR CS-AAS) to support research programs that investigate: (i) the fate, transport, effect, and remediation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the fields of environmental chemistry, engineering, and microbiology; and (ii) impacts of indoor and outdoor air pollution on human health in the fields of epidemiology and exposure science. The system is urgently needed for two primary applications: sensitive quantitation of organofluorine in environmental and biological samples, and high-throughput analysis of multiple metal elements in air samples. In the first application, HR CS-AAS, which enables sensitive, reliable and fast detection of organofluorine, will allow us to perform comprehensive characterization of PFAS-contaminated samples, for tracking fluorine in novel biochemical reactions that break C-F bonds, and for devising remediation strategies to protect drinking water supplies. Such characterization is time-consuming and challenging; without the instrument, determination of critical parameters is missing from the applicants' current work, and cannot be otherwise achieved. The requested system will enable the highly reputable environmental epidemiology program at McGill to build new research capacity for the measurement of metal species in environmental matrices. The availability of the instrument and the new research capacity will divert a significant portion of sample analysis performed elsewhere back to our labs, enhancing our productivity and providing a new training opportunity for highly qualified personnel (HQP). The environmental research to be supported is extremely timely and significant, and involves the assessment of ecological and health implications of persistent and toxic PFASs that have been widely detected in humans, wildlife and the environment. The health sciences research enabled by the HR CS-AAS will address global challenges of air pollution epidemiology, energy use, industrialization, urbanization, and their direct and indirect links with disease burden and human well-being. The instrument applied for will substantially enhance HQP training and the quality of their research, increasing the competitiveness of the Canadian workforce in addressing urgent environmental and human health problems. The instrument requested will be used in 10 ongoing interdisciplinary projects of global reach, and will enhance the research and innovation capacity of 37 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.