Get the Lead Out!

By Laurie LeBlanc, Robert Mazalewski, Jonathan Cook, Jasmine King

Abstract

This case study, developed for a general chemistry course, is intended to teach students the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science. Students take on the role of environmental chemists. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy, they test for lead contamination in groundwater samples taken from an old mining district in Lake County, Colorado. After researching remediation methods, students propose practical solutions to local soil contamination.

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Date Posted

04/21/2008

Overview

Objectives

Understand the nature of mining operations and their effect on the environment.
Learn about the effects of unsafe levels of lead in the human body.
Understand the theory and application of atomic absorption spectroscopy in lead determination.
Learn about possible methods of remediating contaminated soil, in particular, phytoremediation.

Keywords

Lead; Pb; heavy metals; lead contamination; groundwater contamination; lead poisoning; EPA action levels; atomic absorption spectrophotometer; soil remediation; phytoremediation; environmental chemistry; mining; Leadville; Colorado

Subject Headings

Chemistry (General)

Environmental Engineering

Environmental Science

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Laboratory

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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