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Device offers ability to
analyze for metals
By Kurt Esposito
Summer
Editor
Purdue researchers will soon have access to a device
that will allow them to measure tiny amounts of different masses in
metals.
The Inductively Coupled Argonplasma Mass Spectrometer,
a $320,000 machine, looks like a box the size of a desk. It has a tube
that sucks up a liquid sample to be burned by a flame. The sample is
turned into ions, which can then be analyzed.
"What this instrument is made to do is analyze
for metals," said Karl Wood, director of campus-wide mass spectrometry
center.
Other mass spectrometers can only analyze organic
materials. Wood said that previously, if researchers wanted to look
at metallic elements, the elements had to be attached to organic materials.
He said the machine also provides a high resolution
that can separate two metals with the same masses.
Connie Weaver, professor of food science, said
the machine will be able to differentiate between samples on the same
element but with different atomic weights.
Weaver, who is coordinating Camp Calcium, said
she can use the machine to measure the amount of calcium absorbed in
the body. Calcium in its natural form, mass 40, is naturally found in
the body. She can give research subjects foods that contain calcium
of a different mass, such as mass 43. With the machine she can analyze
blood, urine and stool samples to see how much calcium is absorbed by
looking at how much calcium with mass 43 is found.
Weaver said the instrument can also be used to
look at pesticide contaminations and proteins.
The device, which will be housed in the Wetherhill
Laboratory of Chemistry, was purchased in a joint effort between many
different departments at Purdue. The instrument will be able to be used
by researchers studying various fields including agriculture, chemistry,
biology and pharmacy.
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CAMPUS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111
ext. 253
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