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Undergraduate Introductory Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory Course: Interdisciplinary Group Projects in Phytoremediation

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Debra L. Van Engelen

Department of Chemistry, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA 92373

Steven W. Suljak

Department of Chemistry, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053

J. Patrick Hall and Bert E. Holmes

Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville, NC 28804

J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (1), p 128

DOI: 10.1021/ed084p128

Publication Date (Web): January 1, 2007

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

In this interdisciplinary laboratory course, groups of beginning students complete semester-long projects studying soil chemistry, plant uptake of metals, and environmental analysis while applying their knowledge to the research area of phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is the use of plants capable of accumulating pollutants to reduce levels in contaminated soils or water. In a series of short experiments, students learn methods for sample collection and preparation including collection of an aqueous runoff sample and digestion of soil and plants. Chemical analysis methods presented include the determination of soil pH, potentiometric titration of carbonates, determination of anions by ion chromatography, measurement of cation-exchange capacity of soil using an ammonium ion selective electrode, and trace-metal analysis using ion chromatography or atomic absorption spectrometry. Students begin reviews of scientific literature early in the course that are relevant to their projects, use computer software to statistically analyze data, write a formal group project report, and present their work to peers. By working to solve open-ended problems that are of current interest, students learn to think critically, become better problem solvers, experience a learning process that is more exciting and relevant, and are better prepared for an early and rewarding undergraduate research experience.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Environmental Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Student-Centered Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Chromatography

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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

Investigation of the Use of Cucumis sativus for Remediation of Chromium from Contaminated Environmental Matrices. An Interdisciplinary Instrumental Analysis Project
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Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (9), 1095
- Investigation of the Use of Cucumis sativus for Remediation of Chromium from Contaminated Environmental Matrices. An Interdisciplinary Instrumental Analysis Project
  Lynsey R. Butler , Michael R. Edwards , Russell Farmer , Kathryn J. Greenly , Sherri Hensler , Scott E. Jenkins , J. Michael Joyce , Jason A. Mann , Boone M. Prentice , Andrew E. Puckette , Christopher M. Shuford , Sarah E. G. Porter and Melissa C. Rhoten
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  An interdisciplinary, semester-long project is presented in which students grow Cucumis sativus (cucumber) plants from seeds and study the ability of the plants to remediate a heavy metal from contaminated soil or water or both. Phytoremediation ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
A Multiweek, Problem-Based Laboratory Project Using Phytoremediation To Remove Copper from Soil. General Chemistry Labs for Teaching Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
Stephen G. Cessna , Tara L. S. Kishbaugh and Douglas Graber Neufeld , Gretchen A. Cessna
Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (6), 726
- A Multiweek, Problem-Based Laboratory Project Using Phytoremediation To Remove Copper from Soil. General Chemistry Labs for Teaching Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
  Stephen G. Cessna , Tara L. S. Kishbaugh and Douglas Graber Neufeld , Gretchen A. Cessna
  Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (6), 726
  We describe a set of laboratory exercises centered on a theme of copper pollution and phytoremediation for first-year general chemistry. The chemical concepts covered include: equilibrium, thermodynamics (Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy), redox ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links