Detecting Aluminum in Drinking Water

Erica Sandoval

Why Is There Aluminum in Drinking Water

• Treatment−Microorganisms−Organic Matter

Aluminum’s Toxicity

• Alzheimer's• Nervous system• Respiratory problems• Skeletal problems • Toxic to fish• Forest decline

                           

Hypothesis & Goal

• Low levels of Aluminum in drinking water can be detected using a Photometric Technique and GC-MS.

1. Research previous work2. Use fluorescence technique

3. Use GC-MS4. Apply to different sources

Fluorescence

JABLONSKI DIAGRAM

Ground state

Excited electronicsinglet state

Singlet excitedstate

Excitation

Excited-State Lifetime(10-9-10-8 s)

FluorescenceEmission

Fluorimetric Determination of Aluminum

• Form complex•Eliminate Interferences•Create micellar system•Measure Fluorescence

Gas Chromatography-mass Spectroscopy

• Form complex

•GC used for separation

•MS used for identification of components

Thanks

Welch Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to work on

this project

Dr. Altmiller for guidance and support

Conclusion & Questions

Gas Chromatography

Mass Spectroscopy

Spectrofluorimeter