E24-14: Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy and its Environmental Applications

One-Day Course:
Sunday, Nov. 17; 8:30am – 5:00pm
Dr. Dula Amarasiriwardena, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will cover recent advances in analytical atomic spectroscopy, including atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), inductively coupled plasma-mass and atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-MS, ICP-AES), and laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS. Course content includes theory, instrumentation, practice, troubleshooting hints, and familiar and novel applications. Analytical advantages and limitations of each method will be presented. We will also examine elemental analysis and chemical speciation techniques used in environmental and biological sample analysis. This course will be an interactive session, and participants are encouraged to discuss their analytical challenges and experiences.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This one-day course is geared toward novices as well as experienced scientists. A refresher course for those who are generalists but already working in the field. For graduate students, scientists, lab managers, and project leaders.

TOPICS
  1. Atomic absorption spectroscopy principles and instrumentation
  2. Calibration, interferences, and QA/QC in environmental analysis
  3. GF-AAS, HG-AAS, Cold vapor Hg analysis
  4. ICP-AES and ICP-MS principles, instrumentation, and new advancements
  5. Calibration, interferences, and QA/QC in environmental analysis
  6. Chemical speciation and hyphenated methods
  7. LA-ICP-MS principles and instrumentation
  8. Sample preparation and calibration strategies
  9. Applications in environmental and biological research

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Dula Amarasiriwardena
, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, at Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, received his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Dula regularly teaches analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and general chemistry. His research uses atomic and mass spectrometry to focus on bioaccumulation properties in biological tissues and the fate and transport of trace metals and metal nanoparticles in soil and aquatic environments. Professor Amarasiriwardena served as a Fulbright Specialist in Chile.