ENGINEERING

Equipment donation assists campus research lab

Environmental research and testing conducted by the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has been significantly enhanced, thanks to an equipment donation from Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.

The company has donated an atomic-absorption spectrophotometer, allowing researchers in the Environmental Engineering and Science Program to better analyze metal concentrations in environmental samples, including wastewater and soils.

The spectrophotometer, previously used to analyze boiler water and wastewater from Niagara Mohawk's Huntley Steam Station in Tonawanda, will replace UB's older, outdated instrument.

"The basic technology is the same, but the software in newer instruments makes research and testing much easier to conduct," explained John Van Benschoten, UB associate professor of civil engineering. "This donation from Niagara Mohawk will enable us to upgrade our research capabilities significantly."

The newer instrument will increase the number of samples that can be analyzed and improve accuracy of the results, he added. It will be used by graduate students in a variety of research projects.

"We're pleased to be able to further the business-education partnership between Niagara Mohawk and UB," said Joseph Dillman, plant manager at Huntley. "Operational changes here have reduced the need for sample analysis, so we're glad that UB can put this equipment to good use."