Chemistry 472
Methods for the Analysis of Environmental Samples
Spring, 1998

Instructor: Dr. Gary Rayson
Class Time: 8:30 - 9:20 AM, MW, Lecture, 1:30 - 4:20 PM, F, Laboratory
Location:
Lecture: Chemistry and Biochemistry Room 205
Laboratory: Chemistry and Biochemistry Room 108
Office Hours: 9:30-10:30 AM MWF, CB W289
Phone: 646-5839
E-mail: garayson@NMSU.edu


Text: Handbook of Environmental Analysis, by Roy- Keith Smith with Handouts and Manuals of Standard Methods of Analysis (USEPA SW-846)

Prerequisite: Chem 371 or consent of instructor

Overview: The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the standard procedures and protocols used in the analysis of environmental samples and the procedures used in the validation of those determinations.

Grades: Grading will consist of the following four (4) components with the corresponding numerical breakdown for the assigning of grades.

1) Exams [20%]
2) The Laboratory component. [20%]
3) The Reports. [20%]
4) The final sample. [Written report, 20%; Oral report, 20%]


Examinations: There will be a total of two (2) exams during the semester. These semester exams will be take-home exams and will involve the collection and evaluation of methods for the analysis of environmental samples. Access to computer data bases within the laboratory, university and through the internet (e.g., the world wide web) will be assumed. It is anticipated that discussion will occur during the completion of these examinations. These interactions are encouraged. However, each student must provide his or her own response to each question or problem.

In accordance with University policy regarding classes during finals week (the last week of the semester), the class will also meet at the scheduled time. This will involve the evaluation of the content and execution of the course. Attendance at this session is mandatory.

Laboratory Procedures and Reports: This component of the course will involve the application of standard methods of analysis. Each of three separate samples will be presented for analysis. The source of these samples will be described and will each be related to a “real world” scenario. These samples will comprise of a primarily water sample, a primarily soil or sludge sample and a general “composite” type sample. Reports will be generated for each of the first two samples which include complete documentation of standard operating procedures used and the adherence to good laboratory practice. Grading will be based on the accuracy and precision of the determinations and the selection and utilization of the appropriate protocols and standard operating procedure(s) (SOPs). Hence, the beginning of the semester will involve the generation of the necessary library of SOPs and the calibration of any quantitative equipment (e.g., volumetric glassware and balances). Good laboratory practice (GLP) protocols will be developed for the entire class and adherence to GLP will be required for all aspects of determinations within the laboratory.

The reporting of the analysis of each sample will be in accordance with the USEPA. Other reporting protocols may be use but will require the submission of supporting documentation of the reporting procedure from a recognized national or international agency.

Throughout the course, the class will act as a contract environmental analysis laboratory. Thus, it will be necessary to direct the generation of reports as a representative of “the Company” to the appropriate “client.”

Final Sample: As indicated above, each student will be presented a composite sample of material from an environmental source. Each student will be considered the sole analyst of his or her own analytical services company. Following the selection and execution of an appropriate method(s), a report of the results of that analysis will be presented in both written and oral formats. Inclusion of data collected from the analyses of the first two samples will be permissible with the appropriate references to such previous work. The oral reports will be presented to a panel of “experts”. This panel will be the equivalent of the “client” and the results should contain sufficient documentation to address the most technical questions and yet be understandable to the “layman” regarding its interpretation. The inclusion of proper documentation of the selected standard methods or the appropriate validation of the procedure(s) used may be required.

Students with Disabilities: If you have or believe you have a disability, you may wish to self-identify. You can do so by providing documentation to the Office for Services for Students with Disabilities (phone: 656-6840). Appropriate accommodations may then be provided for you.

If you have a condition which may affect your ability to exit safely from the premises in an emergency or which may cause en emergency during class, you are encouraged to discuss this in confidence with the instructor and/or the director of the Office for Services for Students with Disabilities. If you have general questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), call the Interim ADA Coordinator at 646-3635

Lecture Schedule Spring, 1998
Topic Section
Introduction to Environmental Analysis1
Applicable Federal and State Regulations
Analytical Methodologies
Sampling procedures
Quality control and quality assurance
Physical, Biological and General Chemical Parameters2
Physical parameters
Biological parameters
Chemical parameters
Organic Parameters3
Volatiles
Semivolitiles
Hazardous Waste and Remediation Analysis 4
Hazardous waste characterization
TCLP
Sample preparation of solid for remediation analysis
Ground water monitoring
Underground storage tanks
EPA Contract Laboratory Program
Mixed waste
Field Analytical Methods
Air Pollution and Monitoring 5
Sampling
Reporting results
Specific methodologies
EPA Methods
Student Presentations


Laboratory Schedule
Writing Standard Operating Procedures
Calibration of volumetric glassware and balances
Water/sediment samples
Physical characterization
Determination of organic contaminates
Determination of inorganic contaminates
metals
inorganic anions
Soil/sludge samples
Physical characterization
Determination of organic contaminates
volatile organic compounds
non-volatile compounds
Determination of inorganic contaminates
metals
inorganic anions
Final samples

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