JCE Online Journal of Chemical EducationDivision of Chemical Education, American Chemical SocietyAmerican Chemical Society
 | Subscriptions  | Software Orders  | Support  | Contributors  | Advertisers  | 

JCE Print

JCE Digital Library

JCE Software

Only@JCE Online

About JCE


  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > July  >
In the Laboratory
Sampling the Soils Around a Residence Containing Lead-Based Paints: An X-ray Fluorescence Experiment
Steven J. Bachofer
Department of Chemistry, Saint Mary's College of California, Moraga, CA 94575
Cover
July 2008
Vol. 85 No. 7
p. 980

Abstract
Sampling experiments utilizing field portable instruments are instructional since students collect data following regulatory protocols, evaluate it, and begin to recognize their civic responsibilities upon collecting useful data. A lead-in-soil experiment educated students on a prevalent exposure pathway. The experimental site was a pre-1950 construction known to have lead-based paint. Soil sampling occurred at multiple locations within the house dripline and a background sample was selected away from the house. Student teams sampled in situ following U.S. EPA Method 6200. Students obtained data quickly with an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument and recognized the importance of sampling. A risk assessment was inherent to the experiment because the XRF generates X-rays. A more than five fold increase in soil lead content for dripline samples was observed relative to the background. Students reported their data and provided advice on methods to minimize contact with this soil to the homeowner. This sampling lab was a valuable general science lab and could be adapted for environmental chemistry and instrumental analysis courses.
Supplement
Student handouts; Instructor notes
*
Download
Contents
More Information
*
Citation
Bachofer, Steven J. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 980.
*
Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; Applications of Chemistry; Environmental Chemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Fluorescence Spectroscopy; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Instrumental Methods; Laboratory Instruction; Metals; Nonmajor Courses; Spectroscopy; Toxicology; Upper-Division Undergraduate
*
History
Created:
Last Updated:
5/27/2008
6/4/2008
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > July  > Page 980


Subscriptions

JCE HS CLIC

Our Secondary School editors work hard to distill all the JCE materials to produce a fraction of particular interest to high school teachers. We call it CLIC.


Contributions Welcome
JCE welcomes your submission

Advertisers
In recent years we have worked hard to better match our advertisers with our readers. When shopping for chemistry education materials, visit our advertisers' WWW sites first.

Be An Ambassador
Take JCE along on your outreach missions. Copies of the Journal, guest access to JCE Online, our publications catalog, and more are available for your participants.