Detecting Aluminum in Drinking WaterDetecting Aluminum in Drinking Water

Erica SandovalDr. Henry Altmiller

Hypothesis & GoalsHypothesis & Goals

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

•Fluorescence Method

•GC-MS

MethodologyMethodology

1. O-Phenanthroline (15mM) and Be2+ (0.1M)

2. Sodium Acetate Buffer Solution

3. Lumogallion

4. Heated

5. Triton

6. Measure Fluorescence

ProblemProblem

Detecting 2x10-3 MNeeded to Detect 7.413x10-7 M

Variables ChangedVariables Changed

Sodium Acetate Buffer

Time

Triton

Lumogallion

Temperature

Neat vs. DilutedNeat vs. Diluted

Triton 1% v/v

TritonTriton

Triton

1% v/v

1% v/v

Sodium Acetate BufferSodium Acetate Buffer

100uL pH=4.03

200uL pH=4.49

300uL pH=4.97

pH=4.49pH=4.97

pH=4.03

TimeTime

30 minutes

45 minutes

60 minutes

60 min

45 min30 min

TemperatureTemperature

25oC

4oC

25oC

4oC

LumogallionLumogallion

100 uL = 2.85x10-6M

200 uL = 5.67x10-

6M 300 uL = 8.46x10-6M

5.67x10-6 M

8.46x10-6 M

2.85x10-6 M

Optimum Conditions FoundOptimum Conditions Found

Excess lumogallionNeat Triton1 hourpH 54oC

All Aluminum Chelated

Why Fluorescent Intensity ImprovesWhy Fluorescent Intensity Improves

More Viscous

Less Collisions

More time to form complex

Testing 7.413x10Testing 7.413x10-7-7M SolutionM Solution

Different color Less Fluorescent Intensity

pH=4.96

pH=4.83

pH=4.77

What About the Instrument?What About the Instrument?

Slit Width

– Excitation– Emission

AccomplishedAccomplished

Found Optimum Conditions

Learned Instrument

ConclusionConclusion

Test Drinking Water

Begin GC-MS Technique

Different Water Source