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Students of analytical chemistry who have learned about statistical concepts in class can learn from a lab activity in which they receive a ground sample of a commercial antacid and a list of names of 6-8 antacids, one of which is the name of the sample. Students design a series of experiments using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), computer-controlled titrations (CCT). Usually the experiment takes 3-4 3-hour laboratory periods. They report results in standard manuscript format.

Multiple factor fractional factorial design for flame atomic absorption spectroscopy screening experiments in undergraduate chemistry courses is an improvement on the one-factor-at-a-time approach. The multiple factor approach allows for more factors per experiment and for interactions between factors to be identified. Factorial design is taught using spreadsheet simulation to make students comfortable with normal quantile plots and specific designs. The simulation and experiment procedures are included.

An anionic surfactants determination method suitable for undergraduate chemistry students or students of environmental science to use uses anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) for indirect analysis. An extractable complex between the bis(ethylenediamine)diaquacopper(II) and the synthetic surfactant anion is formed, extracted into chloroform and back-extracted into dilute acid. Students learn about several analytical principles which they discuss in the write-ups, in which they make a critical comparison of metal analysis by ASV and AAS.

A flame atomic absorption spectrometry experiment can demonstrate the importance of considering the impact of solution physical properties on analytical results in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory. Copper solutions in an ethanolic medium and chromium solutions mixed with tetrapropylammonium bromide were analyzed and a variety of results were generated by differences in the physical characteristics of the solutions, such as the dissolved solutes and solvents used, even when the analyte concentrations were identical.

A laboratory experiment for undergraduate chemistry students in a quantitative analysis class offers exposure to three common techniques of chemical analysis. Students use an ion-exchange resin to determine the amount of potassium and sodium in an unknown solid sample. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry is used to find the sodium concentration of the sample. The potassium concentration can be determined from the sodium concentration. Ion chromatography is used to determine the chloride concentration of the sample.

A real-life analytical assignment is presented to students, who had to examine an air conditioning coolant solution for metal contamination using an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). This hands-on access to a real problem exposed the undergraduate students to the mechanism of AAS, and promoted participation in a simulated industrial activity.

An experiment is conducted to ascertain trace-level Pb in samples of bovine liver or muscle by applying graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). The primary objective is to display the effects of physical and spectral intrusions in determining trace elements, and project the usual methods employed to minimize accuracy errors caused by such intrusions.

A statistical exercise involving the d etection of method effects on quality of analytical data by chemistry students is discussed . The approach used is intended to integrate knowledge recently acquired about an instrumental technique, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and treatment of the experimental data. Students learn AAS basics by analyzing copper and nickel in a nodular iron sample and then use an alternative to the classic standard addition method. They vary sample volumes, keeping the increment volume constant. Then they use histograms and control charts.

Students of geochemistry can learn by carrying out the determination of the surface chemical properties of a solid. Students can gain a basic understanding of geochemical modeling and some knowledge of a nalytical techniques including acid-base titrations, and UV or flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) spectrophotometry. Students can use Microsoft Excel for calculations and for presentation of results.

An exercise in integrating environmental analysis and assessment has been developed for chemistry students. The students use a geographic information system (GIS) to carry out a common analysi s of lead in sediment using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The experiment was a student research project later adapted for the environmental chemistry course at Denison University, where a pond serves as a source of irrigation water for the athletic fields. The pond, which is filling with sediments from erosion in the watershed, is also the aquatic laboratory. A coring device is used.

A simple procedure to quickly screen different consumer products for the presence of lead, cadmium, and other metals is described. This screening technique avoids expending a lot of preparation time on samples known to contain low levels of hazardous metals where only samples testing positive for the desired elements need to be analyzed quantitatively using standard sample preparation methods.

Matrix modification allows for direct determination of trace-metal ions in seawater using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the chemistry classroom. Students add reagents to test solutions, altering the matrix constituents during the ash and dry electrothermal process stages. The determination of a known concentration can help students gain confidence in the technique. Experiment procedures are provided.

The determination of paint chips' lead content in the chemistry classroom provides students with a relevant experiment because of the concerns caused by lead poisoning both in modern and ancient times. The experiment takes two weeks and involves preparing standard lead solutions to evaluate the acid-digested paint chip samples' lead content using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Student results were surprisingly consistent despite care needed during volumetric techniques and found the paint chips had higher than legal lead levels.

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry can be used to analyze the inactive ingredients in analgesic tablets. This technique is applied to analgesic tablets coated with calcium carbonate to determine the calcium content. Instructions for solution preparation and atomic absorption spectrophotometer analysis are provided.