Faster Detection of Trace Heavy Metals Released Into Our Water
Develop methods for measuring and predicting heavy metal releases in water supplies that have potential to harm human health.
Project description
Heavy metals like lead, copper, and iron in drinking water can cause various health problems. While it is easy to see water discoloration when the heavy metal concentration is high, these pollutants are toxic at low concentrations when the water is still clear. The standard analytical test for such low concentrations is expensive and often requires digestion with dangerous acids for 1+ days. Alternatively, when studying preventative measures, metal release rates are slow, so long experiments are often required to get detectable differences.
This project will study the use of cheaper, faster, less dangerous electrochemical sensing approaches for heavy metal corrosion. The student will conduct lab experiments to explore how water quality parameters and metal species affect accuracy, detection speed, limit of detection, and measurement reliability. A hybrid component of the project is available for students who feel comfortable performing basic technical calculations with a programming language of their choice and wish to develop those skills further.
Project outcome
Students will learn the basics of electrochemistry and aquatic chemistry as applied to chemical sensing. They will specifically learn how to collect data using techniques like electrochemical polarization, as well as how to analyze the data.
Students will develop science communication skills by generating regular short progress reports and presentations for individual and group meetings. If successful, students may have the opportunity to present their research at local symposia or conferences such as the annual local Western New York American Chemical Society chapter undergraduate symposium.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Longer than a semester; 6-9 months |
| Start time | Fall (August/September) Spring (January/February) Summer (May/June) |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | Hybrid Project (can be remote and/or in-person; to be determined by mentor and student) |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Research experience, Potential Academic Credit |
| Who is eligible | All undergraduate students with at least 1 semester of laboratory-based chemistry or equivalent experience |
Project mentor
Jonathan Boualavong
Assistant Professor
Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering
Phone: (716) 645-0977
Email: jboualav@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Students should complete the UB EHS lab safety training before the project. This training must be renewed annually. Link: https://www.buffalo.edu/administrative-services/training/training-catalog/Facilities/laboratory-safety.html
Keywords
electrochemistry, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, corrosion, health