High-resolution Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for Quantification of Biopolymers in Complex Matrices and Micropollutants in Water and Wastewater

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We propose to purchase a new ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with photodiode array detector (PDA) to support research programs at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). We need fast, high precision detection of both small molecules and high-molecular weight biopolymers with high sensitivity in complex sample matrices. The UPLC is a salient infrastructure requirement for at least five researchers at UNBC. The research programs to be supported by the acquisition of this equipment include: resource recovery from biological wastewater treatment system and biosolids, removal of micropollutants in municipal wastewaters, natural product discovery from Northern Boreal insect microbiomes, transport of nutrients, trace elements and organic contaminants (such as antibiotics) in the vadose zone, and impacts of diseases on tree health and forest resources. This system is equipped with a flow-through needle autosampler, a column heater, and a PDA UV-Vis detector. This equipment has the capability of handling up to four-solvent mobile phases, a computer, monitor, peripherals, and operational software. The software can analyze qualitatively and quantitatively both small and large molecules. The proposed system would allow easy method development and management. It is critical that our research team secures the UPLC system to accurately identify and quantify both small molecules and polymers in complex samples. With the resolution and analysis speed obtained from this state-of-the-art system, our team will process troublesome matrices and samples with many different analytes. Compared to standard high-performance liquid chromatography systems, this UPLC system would provide advanced analysis, flexibility to study a wide range of samples, shorter run times and increased sensitivity and selectivity of analytes allowing for a higher sample throughput. The new UPLC system will also be able to handle the desired range of concentrations for individual components in our complex samples. Highly qualified personnel (HQP) recruited in our research programs will receive training on how to use the UPLC system. After training, the HQP will frequently use the UPLC for research on resource (biopolymers and amino acids) recovery from aerobic granular sludge systems treating wastewater, removal of micropollutants in municipal wastewater, natural product discovery, quantification of antibiotics in leachates and biosolids, and complex chemical mixtures in natural matrices such as foliage and bark. Thus, the requested UPLC will be in almost continual use by the applicant, co-applicants, collaborator, and other users. 9 PhD, 16 Masters, and 28 undergraduate students will be trained on the equipment in the next five years.