Get the Lead Out!

An Interdisciplinary Case Study

Co Authors:	Laurie LeBlanc Chemistry Department Cuyamaca College laurie.leblanc@gcccd.edu Robert Mazalewski Department of Plant Sciences University of California at Davis rlmazalewski@ucdavis.edu Jonathan Cook Chemistry Department Cuyamaca College Jasmine King Chemistry Department Cuyamaca College
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.
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
Topical Area:	N/A
Educational Level:	High school, Undergraduate lower division
Formats:	PDF
Type/Method:	Laboratory
Language:	English
Subject Headings:	Chemistry (General) Environmental Science Environmental Engineering
Date Posted:	04/21/08
Date Modified:	N/A
Copyright:	Copyright held by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Please see our usage guidelines, which outline our policy concerning permissible reproduction of this work.

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