Proposals Fall 2005
Each group submitted a research proposal by November 13th. Instructions for the content of the proposal document were posted on the website and circulated to each group member.
Group 1. Phytoremediation of Arsenic and Selenium in Arabidopsis and Perennial Rye
Abstract: The main goal of this experiment is to achieve phytoremediation of arsenic and selenium and to discern the possible countering effects of selenium on the toxicity of arsenic. Previously published research suggests that selenium neutralizes arsenic in rodents. The theory is that selenium could have similar effects to reduce toxicity of arsenic in plants, which could be used to reduce the toxicities of biomass and water supplies. After taking initial readings of the absorbance of known arsenic and selenium concentrations, calibration curves were established. Two plants, Arabidopsis and Perennial Rye, are to be used to accumulate arsenic and selenium in a controlled experiment status. The results from these experiments will show if selenium can be used to counter the effects of arsenic in plants.
Group 2. Variability of Arsenic Uptake Ability in Radishes
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to determine the quantity of arsenic in contaminated soil samples. To accomplish this, our intention is to grow radishes in contaminated soil samples with organic or inorganic arsenic levels, and then extract the arsenic from the radishes by using suitable solvents. We will use MSIS(HG)-ICP-OES, to determine the arsenic uptake in radishes, to chose the best extraction system and to compare the uptake rates between organic and inorganic arsenicGroup 3. CCA Pressure Treated Wood
Abstract: Through the research and identification of pressure treated wood on campus, we hope to set the groundwork for future research into the effects of the arsenic in wood on other organisms in the area. Our group seeks to create a map pinpointing the exact location of pressure treated wood on the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus. The map will also contain information about the amount of arsenic contained in the wood at each of these sites. This research will aid future groups in their work on the effects of the arsenic at these sites on other organisms in close proximity. Mapping the location of these sites will enable future groups to concentrate on areas where different levels of arsenic are already known to be found.
Group 4. Using Colorimetric Techniques to Test for Arsenic in Water Around the Campus of UMass Amherst
Abstract: There are many different methods to detect concentration of Arsenic in drinking water in highly contaminated areas, such as Bangladesh. Some of these techniques are bulky and expensive making them unusable for field testing, while others involve the production of chemicals, such as AsH3, that are very dangerous to work with . The goal of our research is to use and improve upon a new method that allows for a quick, safe, and cost-effective detection of the arsenic concentration in a potentially contaminated water source. Using a single-beam spectrophotometer, we plan to calibrate the instrument with prepared solutions of As(III) and As(V) so that we can then analyze water samples taken from various locations around the University of Massachusetts: Amherst campus for high levels of arsenic. This experiment will hopefully lead towards finding a better method of detection that can be used in the field to quickly determine the concentration of arsenic in water at suspected contamination sites. Thus far we have used the method to develop a calibration curve to detect levels of arsenic.
Group 7. The Viability of Field Use of Hach Field Tests Kits (Regular and EZ)
Abstract: Pharmaceutical companies Hach and Merck are the primary manufacturers for arsenic field test kits. Both test utilize “strips” which react with arsine gas to produce a color that corresponds with colors on a chart indicating arsenic in ppb. Previous research does not promote either one of these two kits as the superior kit. Hach has recently introduced an EZ Arsenic kit that promises to reduce steps and increase cost-efficiency and accuracy of results. After initial experimentation with the normal Hach field test kit, the results were varied and inaccurate. Not only were variations between the strips of the same concentrations present, the colors on the strips were lighter than the matching concentrations on the provided color chart. Upon experimentation with the EZ arsenic kit, these two kits can be compared to determine which one is more efficient/accurate.
Group 8. Do microorganisms convert inorganic arsenic into volatile arsenic?
Abstract: Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. Because of this, nature, specifically groundwater, is contaminated with arsenic. The following experiment involves trying to find microorganisms that can absorb and transform the arsenic into a safer form. The microorganisms used are not yet identified, but they were retrieved from common items such as cheese and bread mold. Hopefully these common nuisances will shed some light on how microorganisms handle arsenic.
Group 9. Low-Cost Removal of Arsenic from Drinking Water
Abstract: Our research group has been looking into low cost procedures for the removal of toxic arsenic from drinking water. This serious problem exists in area such as Bangladesh which does not have sufficient funding for expensive technology. After testing local water samples, we determined that arsenic contamination is not an issue in this region. We plan to assess various organisms including moss, bread mold, and a water plant. The bread mold and moss will be evaluated to see if they convert arsenic to the less toxic arsine gas via a Hack-test kit. The water plant will be monitored over the next few weeks to see if it absorbs arsenic from the water sample via ICP-OES.
Group 10. Arsenic Uptake in Foods Exposed to Pressure Treated Wood
Abstract: Pressure treated wood contains arsenic which can be hazardous to humans when ingested at high levels. Therefore, we will be performing experiments to determine whether or not arsenic can be extracted from pressure treated wood. Our experiment will focus on the extraction of arsenic from pressure treated wood, such as picnic tables, into food or drink products. The common mishaps of children dropping their watermelon, laying their sandwich down, or spilling their drink on the picnic table may seem like nothing. However, if the food or drink is left there for an extended amount of time, will the food or drink absorb the arsenic? Will the child then eat or drink an arsenic contaminated food or drink? Will the levels of arsenic be high enough to cause concern? These are all questions we would like to answer by performing our experiments. By use of the Hach Kit, we will measure the levels of arsenic absorbed by the food or drink. We will use similar techniques that were used in our preliminary experiments to discern whether or not the levels of arsenic ingested are hazardous to a human being’s health. Our experiment will inform and serve as a warning to those who openly eat off of a product made of pressure treated wood.
Group 11. Low-cost Removal of Arsenic from Water Using Coagulants and Iron Filings
Abstract: The most popular method for arsenic removal is the process of coagulation which can be facilitated by iron filings. This process turns soluble arsenic into insoluble particles which allows it to be removed through various types of filtration. Our goal is to use these two methods of removal and find a level of these coagulants and iron filings which will allow the optimal level of arsenic to be removed via filtering. This can be accomplished by adjusting the levels of reagents and the contact time between the reagents and the arsenic-abundant water. The water can be filtered and analyzed for the concentration of arsenic still remaining in solution. These results will determine which reagent and time/amount combination best facilitated removal of arsenic.