Phosphate in Soils: An Undergraduate Exploration of Soil Texture, Chemistry, and Amendment

Crisler, Glenn B.; Perera, Viveka; Hernandez, Cintly Guzman; Orr, Andre D.; Davis, Roger J.; Moore, Jessie L.; Smith, James N.; Varco, Jac J.; Schauwecker, Tim; Brown, A. C.; Mlsna, Todd; Mlsna, Deb

doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00529

Cited by 4 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…6−9 However, information about soil physics is scarce, with only a few reports about laboratory exercises with soil texture. 10 Therefore, the present laboratory exercise contributes with a topic of especial importance for understanding soil science concepts. Since soil aggregation processes are the key for understanding soil structure, this exercise may contribute to the understanding of important concepts underlying soil sustainability because structure degradation is irreversible in comparison with soil degradation related to chemical properties, which in many cases is easily rectified.…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The present laboratory exercise was designed for graduate and postgraduate students in subjects related to Soil Science and especially for the study of genesis and sustainability of an optimal structure in different soils. Generally, students (and teachers also) from the Agricultural Engineering or Environmental Sciences degrees have easy access to enough information about Soil Chemistry practice exercises related to environmental aspects such as soil pollution or toxicology. − However, information about soil physics is scarce, with only a few reports about laboratory exercises with soil texture . Therefore, the present laboratory exercise contributes with a topic of especial importance for understanding soil science concepts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Investigating Flocculation Capacities of Different Cations and Their Implications for Soil Structure and Sustainability

2020

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A laboratory exercise was developed for the study of the effect of three cations (Al, Ca, and Na) on the flocculation and dispersion of soil particles. The exercise was designed for Soil Science undergraduate students in the second-course in the Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Sciences department at the University of Vigo. The students' exercise consisted of the addition of different concentrations of NaCl, CaCl 2 , or AlCl 3 to a kaolinite water suspension and to an agricultural soil water suspension (a more complex system). The most relevant results showed that for the same cation concentration (equiv L -1 ), the effects on increased flocculation of colloidal material followed the sequence Al > Ca > Na, for both kaolinite and agricultural soil; that is, aluminum is the cation with the highest flocculation capacity, while Na is the cation with the lowest one. These differences are important for the sustainability of agricultural soils, since flocculation in soil systems is a key factor to sustain a suitable soil structure, and therefore, for suitable air and water fluxes in soils. Moreover, the differences in flocculation capacities of different cations should be taken into account in the fertilization programs during the selection of fertilizers (in relation to composition), in order to avoid irreversible problems for the soil structure. The experimental results obtained by students were highly satisfactory, showing experimental values similar to those previously found by the teachers. According to postlab surveys, the students were highly satisfied and in favor of the laboratory exercise developed from both sides, the didactic point of view and the importance of the exercise for the understanding of soil science concepts.

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Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating Flocculation Capacities of Different Cations and Their Implications for Soil Structure and Sustainability

2020

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“…The analysis of rocks, soils, or sediments ,− presents ample opportunities for method application to “real samples” in a student laboratory and can be used in different contexts such as environmental chemistry, agriculture, toxicology, or geology. For the necessary expertise in geology and study design, and to support a suitable analytical challenge, a collaboration with colleagues from the Earth Science department at ETH Zürich was established.…”

Section: Course Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Incorporating a Student-Centered Approach with Collaborative Learning into Methods in Quantitative Element Analysis

et al. 2020

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This paper summarizes a project seminar in analytical chemistry that includes a method comparison approach and collaborative learning. In this project seminar, 12 students worked in four groups, each of which focused on one method for quantitative element analysis, including flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The seminar was structured into two phases. In the first phase, students became familiar with their method and instrumentation through characterizing the method’s capabilities for the analysis of a steel reference sample and then sharing and comparing results between groups. In the second phase, all groups used insights gained during the first phase to design and perform experiments with their methods to solve an analytical challenge. Specifically, the aim of each group was to quantify major, minor, and trace element concentrations from periglacial sediment layers from the hills southeast of Zürich, Switzerland. At the end of phase two, the student-groups presented and compared their results in a joint public poster presentation. Assessment was based on material produced by the participants: posters, teaching materials, method profiles, and written reports. The course evaluation indicates a high satisfaction with the course. The student-centered approach enabled students to get extensive hands-on experience in order to acquire subject-specific skills as well as soft skills. It is well-suited for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students for specialization in analytical chemistry. Further insights, observations, potential for improvement, and limitations are discussed.

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“…Karunanayake et al created an environmental and analytical chemistry experiment for the removal of salicylic acid and 4-nitroaniline . Crisler et al built an environmental chemistry experiment that focused on removing phosphates from soil samples, which required an additional step to create a colorful solution for UV–vis absorption spectroscopy . Arrebola et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of the Adsorption of Methylene Blue onto Biochar

Doble,

Wilson,

Wainman

2023

J. Chem. Educ.

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Millions of people do not have access to clean drinking water; thus, cost-efficient water treatment systems are vital. Chemists, environmentalists, technicians, and engineers will be the professionals making breakthroughs in this industry. This laboratory experiment aims to introduce undergraduate students to the removal of pollutants from water using biochar. Specifically, the study explores the kinetics and thermodynamics of methylene blue adsorption onto biochar using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. These general chemistry concepts can readily be observed in real time, as the blue color of the methylene blue solution decreases as it adsorbs on biochar. Students in a pilot course have shown their ability to relate thermodynamics and kinetics to the reaction mechanism in the form of a postlaboratory report.

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Phosphate in Soils: An Undergraduate Exploration of Soil Texture, Chemistry, and Amendment

Cited by 4 publications

References 25 publications

Investigating Flocculation Capacities of Different Cations and Their Implications for Soil Structure and Sustainability

Investigating Flocculation Capacities of Different Cations and Their Implications for Soil Structure and Sustainability

Incorporating a Student-Centered Approach with Collaborative Learning into Methods in Quantitative Element Analysis

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of the Adsorption of Methylene Blue onto Biochar

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