Determining the Lead Content of Paint Chips: An Introduction to AAS

Markow, Peter G.

doi:10.1021/ed073p178

Cited by 14 publications

(17 citation statements)

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“…Sherren presented compelling arguments for using real-life samples for unknowns in the chemistry curriculum since such samples inherently contain “impurities” that must be taken into consideration as professional chemists would have to do . Determination of metals in real-world samples using spectrometric methods have been published in this Journal . − Although the connections between chemistry and geology have been explored, − publications on the analysis of rock/mineral samples have been rare . The analysis of limonite, a complex and common Earth material, presented a valuable teaching opportunity to engage students at the first-year and senior levels.…”

Section: Pedagogical Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

Quantitative Determination of Iron in Limonite Using Spectroscopic Methods with Senior and General Chemistry Students: Geology-Inspired Chemistry Lab Explorations

2016

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Limonite is the field term for a mixed assemblage of ferric oxyhydroxides, often containing nonferric silicate impurities. It is abundant on Earth's surface, possesses variable iron content, and is easily recognized by distinctive yellow and ochre hues. Limonite is a unique centerpiece for undergraduate chemistry laboratories because each sample represents a true unknown to faculty and students alike, and because limonite does not digest readily with common methods. Senior students were guided through a primary literature review to assess and establish an appropriate digestion method. Students then constructed the procedure for determining the iron content in limonite using atomic absorption spectroscopy. A final report, produced in the style of this Journal, completed the start-to-finish process used by scientists, helping students learn how novel problems are solved in the laboratory. General chemistry students were provided with limonite extracts and used UV−vis spectroscopy to determine their iron contents, gaining proficiency in wet-lab, data collection, and analysis skills. Lab reports included an interdisciplinary discussion/interpretation of results from chemistry and geologic perspectives. The method used by students for digestion and iron extraction was validated using goethite and iron(III) oxide as standards (<3% error). The two spectrometric methods provided comparable results for the iron content in limonite. Despite challenging all students, these experiments were rated favorably in written evaluations, and students self-rated their learning gains as very high. Limonite experiments promote curiosity, discussion, and departure from laboratory exercises with predetermined results. Students become vested in analyzing a geologically important material that is inherently complex and heterogeneous.

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Section: Pedagogical Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

Quantitative Determination of Iron in Limonite Using Spectroscopic Methods with Senior and General Chemistry Students: Geology-Inspired Chemistry Lab Explorations

2016

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“…To perform paint quality control and establish Pb threshold values, there are several analytical methods described in the literature. These methods include the following: dry ashing [11] and wet acid digestions either on a heating plate or in a microwave [12] to prepare samples; atomic absorption spectrophotometry [5,11,[13][14][15]; inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy quantification [16][17][18][19][20]; the Delves micro-sampling technique [21]; and non-destructive techniques such as X-ray fluorescence [4] for quantification. In Ecuador, the most frequently used methods are the dry ashing technique [11,22] and wet acid digestion [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Methods that use perchloric acid in combination with nitric acid have shown acceptable results, but they are not recommended because of the myriad of safety precautions for perchloric acid use. On the other hand, most of the methods described in the literature have been applied to dry paint products (paint chips or powder) [5,11,[13][14][15]; therefore, the acceptable performance of these techniques for liquid products or solvent-based paints is still unknown.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alkaline Extraction for Lead Determination in Different Types of Commercial Paints

Romero-Estévez

Yánez-Jácome

Simbaña-Farinango

et al. 2019

MPs

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In 2017, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme formed the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint. All alliance member countries have pledged to develop control regulations that include lead threshold limits. To improve regulations and demonstrate compliance of paint industry products, it is necessary to have adequate, locally applicable methodologies. In this sense, the main objective of this research was to validate the methodology of alkaline extraction for the quantification of lead in ten different types of Ecuadorian commercial paints using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Two hundred and fifty samples from different paint industry products were analyzed, and the results were used to evaluate the method’s performance and robustness. It was determined that the method could be applied for lead concentrations above 100 mg·kg−1, and results showed relative standard deviation values lower than 14.8% and fortification recoveries between 80.3 and 119.4%, fulfilling the acceptance criteria established in the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead-based Paint Laboratory Operations Guidelines.

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“…Projects ranging from analysis of gasoline contamination in soil, to assessment of drinking water quality in a local neighborhood, have been successfully performed (Draper, 2004). Determination of lead in paint and in drinking water has also been utilized as a service learning project for upper level chemistry students (Markow, 1996).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Introducing undergraduates to the role of science in public policy and in the service of the community

Hosten¹,

Talanova²,

Lipkowitz³

2011

Chem. Educ. Res. Pract.

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We describe the modifications to an instrumental analysis course which incorporated the link between science and public policy. This course combines classroom lectures, project based labs, and a writing assignment. The project based labs have a focus on health and environmental issues directly involving the local community, while the writing assignment requires that students develop a position paper on a current scientific issue that has public policy implications. This modified curriculum allows chemistry students early in their academic pursuits to become closely aware of policy issues that may impact their education, careers and health. The result is a science graduate with a better understanding of the role science can play in the formation of public policy.

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Determining the Lead Content of Paint Chips: An Introduction to AAS

Cited by 14 publications

References 0 publications

Quantitative Determination of Iron in Limonite Using Spectroscopic Methods with Senior and General Chemistry Students: Geology-Inspired Chemistry Lab Explorations

Quantitative Determination of Iron in Limonite Using Spectroscopic Methods with Senior and General Chemistry Students: Geology-Inspired Chemistry Lab Explorations

Alkaline Extraction for Lead Determination in Different Types of Commercial Paints

Introducing undergraduates to the role of science in public policy and in the service of the community

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