Upgrade of an XRF Spectrometer and Acquisition of an Ultrasonic Nebulizer Aerosol Deposition System for Research & Research Training in Environmental Geochemistry & Biogeoc

这项主要研究仪器（MRI）计划拨款支持升级波长色散x射线荧光光谱仪（XRF），并在基恩州立学院（KSC）环境生物地球化学中心获得基于超声波雾化器的气溶胶产生和沉积系统。具体的XRF升级将包括一个新的光束过滤器，设计用于分析低原子序数元素（例如，B， C， N）的合成光谱仪晶体，以及一个新的分析软件包。气溶胶产生和沉积系统将由市售设备组装而成，包括超声波雾化器、真空泵、温度控制器和管道装置。将使用该仪器的研究和研究训练活动包括：(1)通过地质学、环境研究、化学、生物学和安全研究等课程对本科生进行科学研究训练；(2)河流沉积物中有毒微量元素的赋存、迁移和环境命运研究；(3)不同源区大气细颗粒物特征；(4)利用微量元素和稳定同位素联合特征对新热带候鸟种群进行研究，以提高对其生态学和生物学的认识。KSC专门为未来K-12教学的本科生提供培训。该设备将帮助教师努力让学生参与与当地相关的实践研究经验，并可能激发学生对科学研究的兴趣，并为他们可能的物理科学研究生学习做好更好的准备。值得注意的是，大约三分之一的KSC学生是第一代大学生

0520938AllenThis Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program grant supports upgrade of a wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), and the acquisition of an ultrasonic-nebulizer-based aerosol generation and deposition system at the Keene State College (KSC) Center for Environmental BioGeoChemistry. Specific XRF upgrades will include a new beam filter, synthetic spectrometer crystals designed to allow for analysis of low atomic number element (e.g., B, C, N), and a new analysis software package. The aerosol generation and deposition system will be assembled from commercially available equipment including an ultrasonic nebulizer, vacuum pumps, temperature controller and plumbing fixtures. Research and research training activities that will employ this instrumentation include: (1) training of undergraduate students in scientific research through courses in Geology, Environmental Studies, Chemistry, Biology, and Safety Studies; (2) studies of the occurrence, transport, and environmental fate of toxic trace elements in river sediments; (3) characterization of ambient airborne fine particulate matter from different source regions; and (4) study of Neotropical migratory bird populations using combined trace element and stable isotope signatures to improve understanding of their ecology and biology. KSC specializes in the training of undergraduates for future careers in K-12 teaching. This equipment will assist faculty in their efforts to engage students in hands-on research experiences of local relevance and is likely to stimulate student interest in scientific research and better prepare them for possible graduate study in the physical sciences. It is noteworthy that roughly 1/3 of KSC students are first generation college students.***