An Electrical Storm on the Horizon
Can Technology Stimulate Reasoned Debate on Waste Containment
Author(s)
Abstract
In this fictional case study, the state of Oklahoma has profited by giving incentives for companies to build power plants in rural areas of the state. The "scrubbing" systems used to minimize air pollution create potentially hazardous solid waste. To contain this waste, an impoundment facility has been built on unsuitable land from which water-soluble toxins can leach into groundwater. Student teams design a prototype sensor capable of measuring dissolved oxygen and fluorescein dye in water in order to analyze the runoff from the impoundment facility for toxins. The case was developed for an undergraduate laboratory course in photonics for junior- and senior-level students.
Objectives
- To introduce students to practical optical measurements.
- To introduce students to fundamental concepts in spectroscopy.
- To have students design and build a fluorescence detection system.
Keywords
Sensors; light spectroscopy; dissolved oxygen measurement; fluorescence detection; water monitoring; wastewaterTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
LaboratoryLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Electrical Engineering | Physics | Physical Chemistry | Environmental Engineering |
Date Posted
10/15/02Teaching Notes
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