Ion-Beam Analyzes of Environmental Materials

This project is aimed at studying environmental pollution using ion-beam analysis (IBA) techniques. The work will focus initially on the analysis of aerosol samples collected around New York State and will eventually be extended to include soil, water, sh, and tree samples. The samples will be analyzed using the IBA techniques of particle-induced X-ray emission, proton elastic scattering, particle-induced γ-ray emission, and Rutherford backscattering in the accelerator laboratories at Union College and the IBM TJ Watson Research Center. The use of these complementary methods will allow for the simultaneous analysis of a broad range of elements from hydrogen to lead with high sensitivity and low detection limits. Analysis of the same samples at the two di erent laboratories will provide a high level of quality control. The aerosol measurements will complement existing data on air pollution in New York obtained using di erent analysis techniques and extend them to include more detailed information on the composition of the particulate matter as a function of particle size. The project will provide valuable data to help identify the sources and understand the transport, transformation, and e ects of airborne pollutants in New York. The analysis of soil, water, sh, and tree samples will be performed to study the connection between aerosols, the deposition of pollution, and the uptake of pollutants by wildlife and vegetation. The project will also have a major impact on the very active undergraduate research program and the education of many undergraduate and selected high school students at Union College.