Yong CaiYong Cai

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Southeast Environmental Research CenterSoutheast Environmental Research Center

Florida International UniversityFlorida International UniversityMiami, FL Miami, FL

Mercury in the Florida Everglades

Ave Maria University January 25, 2010

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Florida International UniversitFlorida International Universityy

Cai Group (Cai Group (Guangliang Liu, Damaris Hernandez, Guangliang Liu, Damaris Hernandez, Yuxiang Mao, Sandra Zapata, Julio CabreraYuxiang Mao, Sandra Zapata, Julio Cabrera))J. Richards, Len Scinto, Joel Trexler, T. Philippi, J. Richards, Len Scinto, Joel Trexler, T. Philippi, Evelyn GaiserEvelyn GaiserSERC Lab (Joseph Boyer)SERC Lab (Joseph Boyer)Many othersMany others

US EPA Region 4US EPA Region 4 Pete KallaPete KallaCharles ApplebyCharles ApplebyDaniel ScheidtDaniel ScheidtK. ThorntonK. ThorntonField sampling team and lab support personnelField sampling team and lab support personnel

University of GeorgiaUniversity of GeorgiaM. MaddenM. Madden

Research TeamResearch Team

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Background Background

One of the largest freshwater One of the largest freshwater marshes in the worldmarshes in the world

The masrch is a unique The masrch is a unique mosaic of sawgrass, wet mosaic of sawgrass, wet prairries, sloughs, and tree prairries, sloughs, and tree islands. islands.

Became a troubled system Became a troubled system during last centuryduring last century– Central and Southern Florida Central and Southern Florida

Flood Control Project (created Flood Control Project (created in 1948 by Fed. legislation)in 1948 by Fed. legislation)

– Population increase (500K in Population increase (500K in 1950s, ~2 millions in 2000)1950s, ~2 millions in 2000)

Today, 50% of historic Today, 50% of historic Everglades wetland have been Everglades wetland have been drained.drained.

The Everglades

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Background Background

The Everglades

55

Background Background

The Comprehensive EvergladesRestoration Plan (CERP)

The Restudy:Central & Southern Florida Project

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan provides a framework and guide to restore, protect, and preserve the water resources of central and southern Florida, including the Everglades

66

Background Background

The Comprehensive EvergladesRestoration Plan (CERP)

The world's largest ecosystem restoration effort and The world's largest ecosystem restoration effort and includes more than 60 major components. includes more than 60 major components. Because the region's environment and economy are Because the region's environment and economy are integrally linked, the Plan provides important economic integrally linked, the Plan provides important economic benefits. benefits. Will result in a sustainable south Florida by restoring the Will result in a sustainable south Florida by restoring the ecosystem, ensuring clean and reliable water supplies, ecosystem, ensuring clean and reliable water supplies, and providing flood protection. and providing flood protection.

# Cost $11 billion in 30 years to implement

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Background Background

The Everglades EcosystemAssessment Program (The program)

Goal

Provide timely ecological information that contributes to the environmental management

decision on Everglades protection and restoration

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Background Background The Everglades EcosystemAssessment Program (The program)

Quantifying pre-restoration conditions in the marsh during 1995, as Quantifying pre-restoration conditions in the marsh during 1995, as well as conditions subsequent to the initiation of restoration later in well as conditions subsequent to the initiation of restoration later in 1990s;1990s;

Assessing the effects and relative potential risk of multiple Assessing the effects and relative potential risk of multiple environmental stressors on the Everglades ecosystem, such as environmental stressors on the Everglades ecosystem, such as water management, soil loss, water quality degradation, and nutrient water management, soil loss, water quality degradation, and nutrient enrichment, habitat loss, and mercury contamination;enrichment, habitat loss, and mercury contamination;

Permitting spatial analyses and identifying associations that provide Permitting spatial analyses and identifying associations that provide insight into relationships among environmental stressors and insight into relationships among environmental stressors and observed ecological responsesobserved ecological responses

…………..

More specifically, the program contributes to Everglades phosphorus and mercury control effort and CERP by

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Background Background The Everglades EcosystemAssessment Program (The program)

Probably-based sampling design, which permits quantitative Probably-based sampling design, which permits quantitative statements across space about ecosystem conditions;statements across space about ecosystem conditions;

Multi-media scope; Multi-media scope;

Extensive spatial coverageExtensive spatial coverage

Program History

USEPA and FIU began this program in 1993USEPA and FIU began this program in 1993

Three phases have been completed (Phase I: 1993-1995; Phase II: Three phases have been completed (Phase I: 1993-1995; Phase II: 1999; 1999; Phase III: 2005Phase III: 2005))

A Unique program that combines several key aspects of scientific study,

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Where Hg comes from

Combustion: 137 ton/yr

Area source: 3.4 ton/yr

Manufacturing: 15.6 ton/yr

Miscellaneous: 1.4 ton/yrOilCoalNatural GasMunicipal waste

1111http://www.ec.gc.ca/MERCURY/EH/EN/eh-b.cfm#MM

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Mercury and Human Health

One in six U.S. women of reproductive age One in six U.S. women of reproductive age might have mercury levels in their body that might have mercury levels in their body that could put their babies at riskcould put their babies at riskMore than 600,000 infants are born each year More than 600,000 infants are born each year with blood mercury levels that might cause heart with blood mercury levels that might cause heart damage and irreversible impairment to brain damage and irreversible impairment to brain function in childrenfunction in childrenLower IQ levels resulting from mercury exposure Lower IQ levels resulting from mercury exposure in utero is estimated to cost the U.S. economy in utero is estimated to cost the U.S. economy $8.7 billion a year in lost earning potential $8.7 billion a year in lost earning potential

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Mercury and Human Health

Humans risk ingesting dangerous levels of mercury by eating contaminated Humans risk ingesting dangerous levels of mercury by eating contaminated fish. fish. Once in the human body, mercury acts as a neurotoxin, interfering with the Once in the human body, mercury acts as a neurotoxin, interfering with the brain and nervous system.brain and nervous system.In adults, mercury poisoning can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure In adults, mercury poisoning can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure regulation and can causeregulation and can cause– memory lossmemory loss– TremorsTremors– vision lossvision loss– numbness of the fingers and toesnumbness of the fingers and toes– heart disease heart disease

Exposure to mercury can be particularly hazardous for pregnant women and Exposure to mercury can be particularly hazardous for pregnant women and small children. Mercury exposure can causesmall children. Mercury exposure can cause– mental retardationmental retardation– cerebral palsycerebral palsy– deafness and blindnessdeafness and blindness– delaying walking and talkingdelaying walking and talking– learning disabilitieslearning disabilities

1515http://www.ec.gc.ca/MERCURY/EH/EN/eh-b.cfm#MM

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Mercury in Fish

Once mercury enters a waterway, naturally Once mercury enters a waterway, naturally occurring bacteria convert it to methyl mercury.occurring bacteria convert it to methyl mercury.Methyl mercury then works its way up the food Methyl mercury then works its way up the food chain as large fish consume contaminated chain as large fish consume contaminated smaller fish.smaller fish.Instead of dissolving or breaking down, methyl Instead of dissolving or breaking down, methyl mercury accumulates at ever-increasing levels. mercury accumulates at ever-increasing levels. Predatory fish can have mercury concentrations Predatory fish can have mercury concentrations in their bodies that are 10,000 times higher than in their bodies that are 10,000 times higher than those of their surrounding habitat.those of their surrounding habitat.

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Fish Consumption Advisory

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Fish consumption advisories apply to over 2 million acres of water in South Florida.

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Background Background The Everglades EcosystemAssessment Program (The program)

Surface waterSurface waterFloc (flocculent Floc (flocculent material found at material found at surface-water surface-water interfaceinterfacePorewaterPorewaterSoilSoilPeriphytonPeriphytonMosquitofishMosquitofish

Biogeochemical Media Studied

2020

Total Hg and MeHg in the Everglades

2121

Mercury Cycling in the Florida Everglades

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Fate of Mercury in the Florida Everglades

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ObjectivesObjectives

To estimate mercury mass budgetTo estimate mercury mass budget

To investigate major biogeochemical To investigate major biogeochemical processes and controls that are processes and controls that are pertinent to Hg distribution and cyclingpertinent to Hg distribution and cycling

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MMass budget of Hg seasonally deposited ass budget of Hg seasonally deposited into the Evergladesinto the Everglades: : AAssumptionsssumptions

the seasonally deposited Hg will be redistributed the seasonally deposited Hg will be redistributed into each compartment through a series of into each compartment through a series of compartmentalization processes after deposition compartmentalization processes after deposition

the entering of seasonally deposited Hg into each the entering of seasonally deposited Hg into each compartment will result in an increase in Hg compartment will result in an increase in Hg concentration of that compartment (denoted as concentration of that compartment (denoted as ΔCΔC in the equations) in the equations)

the redistribution of newly deposited Hg across the redistribution of newly deposited Hg across ecosystem compartments will follow the same ecosystem compartments will follow the same patterns in which the legacy Hg is present patterns in which the legacy Hg is present

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MMass budget of Hg seasonally deposited into the ass budget of Hg seasonally deposited into the EvergladesEverglades

THgBU

THgEV

THgOF

THgSWFS

THgFSPK

THgPKPE

THgPEFC

THgFCSD

THgSDSW

THgSW

THgBD MMVCMCMCMCMCMCVCM

The left-hand side (LHS) is total Hg deposited during the whole dry (or wet) season while the right-hand side (RHS) represents THg amounts redistributed into each compartment plus outflow and evasion.

The distribution ratio (R) of Hg between water and other compartments (R = [Hg in solid or biological matrix] / [Hg in water], L/g) was defined and used to relate water Hg to Hg in the other compartments.

Liu et al., ES&T, 2008, 42,1954

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Input ParametersInput Parameters

Liu et al., ES&T, 2008, 42,1954

2828

Liu et al., ES&T, 2008, 42,1954

2929

THgBU

THgEVOFFS

THgFSPK

THgPKPE

THgPEFC

THgFCSD

THgSDSW

THgSW

THgBD MMVMBAFMRMRMRMRVCM )(

MeHgBUOFFS

MeHgFSPK

MeHgPKPE

MeHgPEFC

MeHgFCSD

MeHgSDSW

MeHgSW

MeHgPD MVMBAFMRMRMRMRVCM )(

For MeHg, a similar mass balance was calculated.

After R was calculated for the dry and wet season from the data obtained during the 2005 sampling events and the median R was introduced in above Equation, ΔC for surface water was obtained first and then ΔC for the other compartments were calculated.

THgSWCTHgSWC

THgSWC

Liu et al., ES&T, 2008, 42,1954

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Mass (in bold, Mass (in bold, kgkg) and fraction estimates of ) and fraction estimates of THgTHg deposited to the deposited to the Everglades in (A) dry and (B) wet season in 2005. Rectangle size Everglades in (A) dry and (B) wet season in 2005. Rectangle size

shows seasonal variation in compartment mass shows seasonal variation in compartment mass

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Mass (in bold, Mass (in bold, kgkg) and fraction estimates of ) and fraction estimates of THgTHg deposited to the deposited to the Everglades in (A) dry and (B) wet season in 2005. Rectangle size Everglades in (A) dry and (B) wet season in 2005. Rectangle size

shows seasonal variation in compartment mass shows seasonal variation in compartment mass

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Mass (in bold, Mass (in bold, gg) and fraction estimates of MeHg produced (from seasonally deposited ) and fraction estimates of MeHg produced (from seasonally deposited Hg) in the Everglades during (A) dry and (B) wet season in 2005. Rectangle size shows Hg) in the Everglades during (A) dry and (B) wet season in 2005. Rectangle size shows seasonal variation in compartment mass. MeHg produced is shown in a rectangle with seasonal variation in compartment mass. MeHg produced is shown in a rectangle with

dashed line, with filled callouts linked to respective matrices. MeHg retained in soil, floc, dashed line, with filled callouts linked to respective matrices. MeHg retained in soil, floc, or periphyton after redistribution is shown by line callouts. or periphyton after redistribution is shown by line callouts.

3333

Mass (in bold, g) and fraction estimates of MeHg produced (from seasonally deposited Mass (in bold, g) and fraction estimates of MeHg produced (from seasonally deposited Hg) in the Everglades during (A) dry and (B) wet season in 2005. Rectangle size shows Hg) in the Everglades during (A) dry and (B) wet season in 2005. Rectangle size shows seasonal variation in compartment mass. MeHg produced is shown in a rectangle with seasonal variation in compartment mass. MeHg produced is shown in a rectangle with

dashed line, with filled callouts linked to respective matrices. MeHg retained in soil, floc, dashed line, with filled callouts linked to respective matrices. MeHg retained in soil, floc, or periphyton after redistribution is shown by line callouts. or periphyton after redistribution is shown by line callouts.

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Fate of Mercury Deposited into the Florida Everglades during the 2005 Wet Season

Liu et al., ES&T, 2008, 42,1954

3535

Compared with dry season, wet season is more favorable for Hg Compared with dry season, wet season is more favorable for Hg bioaccumulation, indicated by higher mosquitofish THg, bioaccumulation, indicated by higher mosquitofish THg, bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and biomagnification factor (BMF) bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and biomagnification factor (BMF) from periphyton to mosquitofish.from periphyton to mosquitofish.

Substantially elevated MeHg production in floc and periphyton and Substantially elevated MeHg production in floc and periphyton and changes in food web structure in the wet season could play an changes in food web structure in the wet season could play an important role in seasonality in Hg bioaccumulation. important role in seasonality in Hg bioaccumulation.

Mercury mass budget in the Everglades was estimated.Mercury mass budget in the Everglades was estimated.

SummarySummary

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R=0.465 (N=110)P<0.001

Periphyton MeHg conc. (ng/g)0.1 1 10

Mo

squ

itofis

h T

Hg

co

nc.

(n

g/g

)

1

10

100

1000

(b)

Mosquitofish THg versus periphyton MeHg. Closed and open circles are data obtained in the dry and wet season, respectively.

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R=0.183 (N=167)P>0.05

Water MeHg conc. (ng/L)

0.01 0.1 1 10

Mo

squ

itofis

h T

Hg

co

nc.

(n

g/g

)

1

10

100

1000

(a)

Mosquitofish THg versus water MeHg. Closed and open circles are data obtained in the dry and wet season, respectively.

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R=0.579 (N=167)

P<0.001

MeHg/DOC (ng/g)

0.01 0.1

Mo

squ

itofis

h T

Hg

Co

nc.

(n

g/g

)

1

10

100

1000

(c)

Mosquitofish THg versus DOC-normalized water MeHg. Closed and open circles are data obtained in the dry and wet season, respectively.

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R = -0.639 (N=167)

P < 0.001

Water DOC conc. (mg/L)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Lo

g (

BA

F)

4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

6.5(d)

Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) as a function of DOC. Closed and open circles are data obtained in the dry and wet season, respectively.

4141

R = 0.524P < 0.001

DOC concentrations in water (mg/L)

1 10 100

TH

g co

ncen

trat

ions

in w

ater

(ng

/L)

1

10R = 0.511P < 0.001

DOC concentrations in water (mg/L)1 10 100

MeH

g co

ncen

trat

ions

in w

ater

(ng

/L)

0.01

0.1

1

10

R = 0.403P < 0.001

DOC concentrations in water (mg/L)1 10 100

MeH

g/T

Hg

in w

ater

(%

)

1

10

100

Correlations between Hg (THg, MeHg, and MeHg/THg ratio) and DOC in Everglades water. Closed and open circles are data obtained in the dry and wet season, respectively.

Indicating DOC has stronger binding capability with MeHg than with THg

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MeHg/THg ratios in water reported in literatures. The numbers in parentheses are the median values.

Water type Geographic location MeHg/THg ratio (%) Reference

Wetland Florida Everglades 2-52 (11) This study

Wetland Florida Everglades 4.4-14 (7.2)a (Babiarz et al., 2001)

Wetland New York 6-16 (Driscoll et al., 1998)

Surface ocean 1-5 (Morel et al., 1998)

River New Jersey 0.01-1.3 (0.2)a (Schaefer et al., 2004)

River Wisconsin 0.9-7.8 (4.4)a (Babiarz et al., 1998)

Lakes Remote 1-20 (Morel et al., 1998)

Lakes New Jersey 2-34 (5)a (Schaefer et al., 2004)

Lakes Wisconsin 6-30 (5.8)a (Watras et al., 1998)

Freshwaters Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Georgia 0.4-36 (3.2)a (Babiarz et al., 2001)

Estuarine waters Florida Bay <0.03-52 (10) (Kannan et al., 1998)

a: calculated from data reported in the original literature.

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Relatively high concentration of MeHg in water, floc, Relatively high concentration of MeHg in water, floc, and periphytonand periphyton

Periphyton is an important base component of the Periphyton is an important base component of the Everglades food web (a primary food source for Everglades food web (a primary food source for numerous species of invertebrates, small fish, and numerous species of invertebrates, small fish, and amphibians)amphibians)

Floc layer could contribute to Hg bioaccumulation by Floc layer could contribute to Hg bioaccumulation by increasing MeHg production and mobility of THg and increasing MeHg production and mobility of THg and MeHgMeHg

High MeHg/THg ratios in waterHigh MeHg/THg ratios in water

Implication for Hg BioaccumulationImplication for Hg Bioaccumulation

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AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

EPA Office of Research and Development EPA Office of Research and Development US EPA Region 4US EPA Region 4Army Corps of Engineers Army Corps of Engineers National Park ServicesNational Park ServicesFlorida Department of Environmental Florida Department of Environmental ProtectionProtectionMercury Laboratory (SERCMLAB) at FIUMercury Laboratory (SERCMLAB) at FIUBattelle Marine Science Laboratory Battelle Marine Science Laboratory

One of America's most dynamic One of America's most dynamic institutions of higher learning institutions of higher learning Among the top 100 public national Among the top 100 public national universities (U.S. News & world report)universities (U.S. News & world report)One of the top 10 public commuter One of the top 10 public commuter universities (money)universities (money)The country's 18th best value in public The country's 18th best value in public higher education (Kiplinger's personal higher education (Kiplinger's personal finance magazine) finance magazine)

• A member of the Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most distinguished academic honor society

• The advancement of teaching as a doctoral/research university-extensive, the highest ranking in its classification system (Carnegie foundation)

2277 faculty and 8 staff personnel faculty and 8 staff personnel Our faculty receive outside funding that includes support for graduate Our faculty receive outside funding that includes support for graduate and undergraduate research assistantsand undergraduate research assistantsOur students regularly contribute to research publications in top Our students regularly contribute to research publications in top scientific journalsscientific journals

State-of-the-art instrumentationState-of-the-art instrumentationInitiated a PhD program in 1997 and currently have a variety of Initiated a PhD program in 1997 and currently have a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programsundergraduate and graduate degree programsOur students also benefit from several institutes and centers:Our students also benefit from several institutes and centers:– The Southeast Environmental Research Center (SERC) The Southeast Environmental Research Center (SERC) – The International Forensic Science Institute (IFRI)The International Forensic Science Institute (IFRI)– The Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility (AMSF), The Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility (AMSF), – The Center for the Study of Matter at Extreme Conditions (CeSMEC)The Center for the Study of Matter at Extreme Conditions (CeSMEC)

FIU Chemistry ProgramFIU Chemistry Program

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty offers a broad The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty offers a broad range of expertise in the areas ofrange of expertise in the areas of– AnalyticalAnalytical– BiochemistryBiochemistry– Environmental chemistry,Environmental chemistry,– Forensic chemistry,Forensic chemistry,– Natural (organic) products chemistry, Natural (organic) products chemistry, – Inorganic chemistry, andInorganic chemistry, and– Physical chemistry. Physical chemistry.

At the graduate level, we offer a MS and a PhD in Chemistry. At the graduate level, we offer a MS and a PhD in Chemistry. Interdisciplinary MS degree in Forensic Science and PhD in Chemistry Interdisciplinary MS degree in Forensic Science and PhD in Chemistry with Forensic track are also offered.with Forensic track are also offered.

Graduate Study in ChemistryGraduate Study in Chemistry

Master of Science (M. Sc.)Master of Science (M. Sc.)– The Master of Science in the Department of Chemistry is a The Master of Science in the Department of Chemistry is a

research-intensive degree and the M.S. program provides research-intensive degree and the M.S. program provides flexibility for students with varied interests. flexibility for students with varied interests.

– Graduates of our M.S. program are well prepared for technical Graduates of our M.S. program are well prepared for technical jobs in the chemical industry, teaching, doctoral programs, and jobs in the chemical industry, teaching, doctoral programs, and professional schools. We accept part-time and full-time students professional schools. We accept part-time and full-time students into the M.S. program.into the M.S. program.

The Master of Science in Forensic ScienceThe Master of Science in Forensic Science– The Master of Science in Forensic Science is an The Master of Science in Forensic Science is an

interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in forensic science laboratories. The program may also careers in forensic science laboratories. The program may also be suitable preparation for doctoral instruction in several be suitable preparation for doctoral instruction in several disciplines. disciplines.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)– The Doctoral program is a research-intensive degree The Doctoral program is a research-intensive degree

emphasizing critical thinking and original problem emphasizing critical thinking and original problem solving. solving.

– While the department’s strength is the interdisciplinary While the department’s strength is the interdisciplinary nature of the faculty research, particularly in the areas nature of the faculty research, particularly in the areas of environmental and biomedicinal chemistry, research of environmental and biomedicinal chemistry, research projects in traditional areas of chemistry are also projects in traditional areas of chemistry are also available to the students. available to the students.

– The student typical chooses a series courses, which is The student typical chooses a series courses, which is focused in one of chemistry sub-disciplines, analytical, focused in one of chemistry sub-disciplines, analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic or physical. biochemistry, inorganic, organic or physical.

Financial AssistanceFinancial AssistanceFinancial aid comes from various agencies (federal, state Financial aid comes from various agencies (federal, state and local governments, universities, community and local governments, universities, community organizations, and private corporations or individuals) to organizations, and private corporations or individuals) to help students meet the cost of attending college. help students meet the cost of attending college. Most of our graduate students are financially supported, Most of our graduate students are financially supported, with full tuition scholarships and assistantships. The with full tuition scholarships and assistantships. The current annual assistantship stipend is at least $current annual assistantship stipend is at least $22,66022,660 for PhD and $15,000 for MS. Health insurance is for PhD and $15,000 for MS. Health insurance is subsidized (75%) by FIU. Dissertation Year Fellowships, subsidized (75%) by FIU. Dissertation Year Fellowships, Presidential Enhanced Assistantships, and Presidential Presidential Enhanced Assistantships, and Presidential Fellowships are also available on a competitive basis to Fellowships are also available on a competitive basis to excellent students.excellent students.Financial Assistance for Minorities StudentsFinancial Assistance for Minorities Students– 1. Graduate Minority Opportunities Program1. Graduate Minority Opportunities Program– 2. McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program2. McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program– 3. Delores Auzenne Fellowship3. Delores Auzenne Fellowship

Affiliated OrganizationsAffiliated Organizations

– SERC promotes, coordinates and conducts environmental research SERC promotes, coordinates and conducts environmental research in the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean. in the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean.

– SERC facilitates linkages between scientists, agency representatives SERC facilitates linkages between scientists, agency representatives and government agencies and provides an organizational structure for and government agencies and provides an organizational structure for regional environmental research initiatives and interdisciplinary regional environmental research initiatives and interdisciplinary environmental investigations. environmental investigations.

– SERC serves as the physical location for offices of two of the federal SERC serves as the physical location for offices of two of the federal government’s efforts to restore the South Florida ecosystem. Both the government’s efforts to restore the South Florida ecosystem. Both the United States Geological Survey - Biological Research Division United States Geological Survey - Biological Research Division (formerly the National Park Service Cooperative Parks Study Unit) (formerly the National Park Service Cooperative Parks Study Unit) and the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force are housed and the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force are housed within SERC. within SERC.

Affiliated OrganizationsAffiliated Organizations

The IFRI serves local and national law enforcement efforts in the The IFRI serves local and national law enforcement efforts in the application of scientific principles to the administration of justice. application of scientific principles to the administration of justice.

A large number of institute affiliated FIU faculty conduct research and A large number of institute affiliated FIU faculty conduct research and provide forensic expertise. The Metro-Dade Police Department, the provide forensic expertise. The Metro-Dade Police Department, the Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, the Broward Sherriff's Office, Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, the Broward Sherriff's Office, the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office and the Drug the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration house local forensic laboratories in South Enforcement Administration house local forensic laboratories in South Florida. Florida.

A combined total of over 100 scientists work in these laboratories A combined total of over 100 scientists work in these laboratories conducting evidence examinations and offering expert testimony in state conducting evidence examinations and offering expert testimony in state and federal courts.and federal courts.

Affiliated OrganizationsAffiliated Organizations

The Chemistry Graduate Student Organization was formed by the The Chemistry Graduate Student Organization was formed by the graduate students in the Department of Chemistry. graduate students in the Department of Chemistry.

The goal of the association is to promote awareness of our interests The goal of the association is to promote awareness of our interests within the student government body, to increase interaction of within the student government body, to increase interaction of students within the program, and become more active voice in students within the program, and become more active voice in issues that affect the growth of technical industries in this issues that affect the growth of technical industries in this community. community.

The association seeks to promote scholarship, community service, The association seeks to promote scholarship, community service, and events that increase the understanding and importance of and events that increase the understanding and importance of chemistry and science in general.chemistry and science in general.

Graduate Student Organization

Affiliated OrganizationsAffiliated Organizations

The Chemistry Club at FIU was recognized as a Chapter of the Student The Chemistry Club at FIU was recognized as a Chapter of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society in October 1979. Affiliates of the American Chemical Society in October 1979.

The chapter gives the opportunity for students of chemistry related The chapter gives the opportunity for students of chemistry related sciences to become better acquainted with a myriad of subjects in the sciences to become better acquainted with a myriad of subjects in the chemical profession and provides experience in preparing and chemical profession and provides experience in preparing and presenting technical material. presenting technical material.

It also fosters the awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of It also fosters the awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of the modern chemist. the modern chemist.

Moreover, academic as well as employment information concerning the Moreover, academic as well as employment information concerning the field of chemistry are disseminated. field of chemistry are disseminated.

Available state-of-the-art instrumentationsAvailable state-of-the-art instrumentations

– The Department of Chemistry was recently awarded managerial and technical responsibility of the AMSF.

– AMSF is a cutting edge university wide mass spectrometry facility for research and contract work.

– The facility is envisaged to be used particularly heavily for funded research activities by faculty and students from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry as well as others within FIU.

Available state-of-the-art instrumentationsAvailable state-of-the-art instrumentations

Foster and Freeman Glass Refractive Index Measurement System Foster and Freeman Glass Refractive Index Measurement System (GRIM) (GRIM)

Varian GC/Ion Trap/MS-MS (2 available) Varian GC/Ion Trap/MS-MS (2 available) Several GC/FID (Flame Ionization Detectors) Several GC/FID (Flame Ionization Detectors) Purge and Trap GC/NPD Purge and Trap GC/NPD HP-6890 GC/MS with headspace, pyrolysis, and liquid sampling HP-6890 GC/MS with headspace, pyrolysis, and liquid sampling

options. Negative/Positive mode options. Negative/Positive mode HP-4500 Plus ICP-MS with a Cetac LSX-200 laser ablation systemHP-4500 Plus ICP-MS with a Cetac LSX-200 laser ablation system PE SCIEX ICP/MS DRC II PE SCIEX ICP/MS DRC II LSX 200Plus LA Sample Introduction System LSX 200Plus LA Sample Introduction System LSX 500Plus LA Sample Introduction System LSX 500Plus LA Sample Introduction System GC/Atomic Emission Spectroscopy GC/Atomic Emission Spectroscopy HPLC with Electrochemical Detector HPLC with Electrochemical Detector

Available state-of-the-art instrumentations Available state-of-the-art instrumentations

Capillary Electrophoresis Capillary Electrophoresis Finnigan/Thermoquest HPLC-PDA-MS Finnigan/Thermoquest HPLC-PDA-MS Bruker 400 and 600 MHz NMRs Bruker 400 and 600 MHz NMRs FT-IR Spectrometer FT-IR Spectrometer Isco Supercritical Fluid Extractor (SFE) Isco Supercritical Fluid Extractor (SFE) Pharmacia FPLC (2 available) Pharmacia FPLC (2 available) Several HPLC/UV Detector Several HPLC/UV Detector Detector GE Ion Trak (IMS) Detector GE Ion Trak (IMS) Hitachi FMBIOII Gel Electrophoresis Analyzer Hitachi FMBIOII Gel Electrophoresis Analyzer PE Applied Biosystems 310 CE Genetic Analyzer PE Applied Biosystems 310 CE Genetic Analyzer Several Thermocyclers of various brands Several Thermocyclers of various brands Intoxilyzer 5000 (CMI) Intoxilyzer 5000 (CMI) Beckman P/ACE CE systems with various detectors Beckman P/ACE CE systems with various detectors Beckman MSQ CE system with UV and PDA detectors Beckman MSQ CE system with UV and PDA detectors