Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/B505789/1
Request for an ion trap mass spectroscopy detector for identification of novel metal(loid) organic compounds and complexes in environmental matrices.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor A Meharg, University of Aberdeen, School of Medical Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor J Feldmann, University of Aberdeen, Chemistry
- Grant held at:
- University of Aberdeen, School of Medical Sciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Marine
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Natural Resource Management
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Science Topics:
- Pollution
- Ecotoxicology
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Environmental biotechnology
- Abstract:
- Principles of the research: Metal and metalloid ions exist in a number of species in environmental matrices. To understand and predict the geochemical cycling and ecotoxicology of metals and metalloids it is essential to accurately ascertain this speciation. In complex environments, such as plant and animal cells and in soil solution, speciation is dynamic as there is a host of biomolecules and inorganic ions to interact with. Enzymology, redox conditions and pH all regulate speciation. Key aims Speciation of metals and metaloids soluble in environmental and biological tissues is normally performed by interfacing chromatographic separation (HPLC) with an element specific detector (ICP-MS). We have already created a facility that is considerably more advanced than this by interfacing HPLC-ICP-MS with an organic specific detector (ESI-MS) allowing us to have new insights into organometal compounds and complexes. Although this configuration is the cutting edge it still has its limitations and we could greatly advance our speciation facility by the purchase of a more sophisticated ESI-MS system, namely ESI ion trap MS. This new detection system will enable us to identify novel organometal compounds and complexes as it is not dependent on have authentic standards as is the case with our present ESI-MS system. We also request the salary for a highly trained mass spectroscopist to conduct this interfacing. Where and how the research is undertaken: The research will be conducted at Aberdeen University in the speciation facility that we have constructed. Who else would be involved: Other members of our research team investigating speciation and national and international collaborators. Total cost: #297,557 How it relates to other aspects of the Council's programme: metal speciation is central to all aspects of the Council's work regarding pollutants in the environment.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/B505789/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Capital Equipment Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Capital Equipment
This grant award has a total value of £306,940
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £1,893 | £72,308 | £24,912 | £33,262 | £174,565 |
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