Ciencia Puerto Rico

There is a continuing need for the development of improved methods for the determination of trace species in complex matrices in support of problem solving in areas related to nutrition, clinical studies, environmental contamination and the biogeochemical cycling of key elements, including aluminum, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and selenium. My group works with microfluidic technologies--flow injection, continuous flow and liquid chromatography--together with element-specific detection (based on optical and mass atomic spectrometry) with pretreatment by solid-phase extraction and vapor generation. We also work on the determination of anions by molecular spectrometry, electrochemistry and quartz crystal microgravimetry. Field portable methods for arsenic in waters, soils and plants are also of interest. Sample materials also include, foods, beverages, dietary supplements, and clinical materials. Professors Uden and Voigtman collaborate on many projects. Some research projects involve graduate students, undergraduates, and K-12 students and their teachers.