Measurement of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Indoor Environments

[students: Courtney Shedden, Peter Greenbacker, Courtney Dillon]

Funding Source: NSF-CHE-RUI award 0718530 

Amount: $191,000

Funding period: 9/1/07 to 9/1/10

The Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program supports Prof. Anthony Lagalante and his group at Villanova University for research to devise and test sensitive new methods to detect and quantitate polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants in automobile interior dust. The research goals are 1) to develop and promote the use of environmentally-friendly techniques for the extraction of PBDEs from automobile dust using supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and solid-phase microextraction; 2) to develop new sensitive and selective methods for PBDE quantitation using photospray-tandem mass spectrometry (APPI/MS/MS) and 3) to examine automotive variables for statistical linkages to human PBDE levels and degradation pathways.

The project involves collaborative effort between Villanova University students and scientists from the Analytical Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Students gain proficiency developing advanced extraction techniques and a range of experience with gas and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection. The research trains future scientists from Villanova University and while developing new methods and data on PBDEs that will have far-reaching consequences in solvent extraction, automotive design, and human toxicology.

Determination of Insecticides by LC/MS/MS

Funding Source: USDA 04-CA-11244225

Amount: $110,144

Funding period: 6/1/04 to 6/1/10

Insecticides: imidacloprid and metabolites, flonicamid, dinotefuran, spirotetramat, pymetrozin, azadirachtin

In treated hemlock trees:  In collaboration with USDA, USFS Morgantown, WV; Hamden, CT; National Park Service Delaware Water Gap

In predators of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae): In collaboration with Dr. Scott Salom and Brian Eisenback, Virginia Tech

Spectroscopic Analysis of the Liberty Bell's Sister

[students: Elizabeth Kovich; collaborators: Nathan Bower, Manda Norbutus, Jennifer Mass, Fr. Marty Smith, O.S.A]

The project will include XRF and SEM analysis of the composition and homogeneity of the Sister Bell to the Liberty Bell that resides in the Augustinian Heritage room in Saint Thomas Monastary.  Read more about the history of the Sister Bell here.