Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

We are proposing to purchase a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (MP-AES) to quantify elemental composition in a wide variety of sample types. Carleton University does not currently have any system capable of highly sensitive elemental analysis and we urgently need one. Other systems in the Ottawa region are over-subscribed and expensive. The proposed system would enable esearch teams at Carleton to rapidly, safely, and economically quantify elemental composition of of a diverse array of organismal and environmental samples in both solid and liquid form. Most urgently, The requested MP-AES is needed by members of four academic units within Carleton University for research in animal physiology, toxicology, membrane biochemistry, water chemistry and environmental monitoring, as well as in the training and teaching of highly qualified personel. This equipment would support at least 12 students who are mid-degree in the short term, and approximately 12-15 HQP per year thereafter. In the long-term, this modern system will enable Carleton Science faculty to recruit of a diverse group of talented personel that will emerge from their postsecondary education with a highly-transferable skill set in elemental analysis. Further acquisition of this system will facilitate collaboration and future research funding opportunities for Carleton faculty with local and international researchers, current and anticipated industrial partners.