Fall 2024 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects
Joshua A. Sebree led his upper level undergraduate fall 2024 Instrumental Analysis class in analyzing various UNI Museum objects. The class was designed as a way for students to understand how analytical instruments work, the proper way to use instruments, and how to perform independent research while collecting publishable results. Students worked in groups to prepare and submit posters to display their work.
To go to the Chemical Analysis Class Project home page, click here.
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Elemental Analysis of Luminescent Cave Formations Using X-Ray Fluorescence
Esther Farran and Joshua Sebree
Luminescent calcite formations (N = 21) were taken from nine karst caves in a valley in Northeast Iowa. Ten samples fluoresced bright blue under UV light and phosphoresced green. Four samples fluoresced dull pink instead of blue. Seven samples do not fluoresce as strongly as the other samples. An elemental analysis was performed on the samples using a Bruker Tracer 5g handheld XRF. Analysis shows some samples may experience fluorescence quenching by the presence of iron and some amount of fluorescence by manganese.
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Soil Condition Variability: Carbon Analysis of Prairie, Crop, and Forest Soil in Northeast Iowa
Jacqueline Heggen, Joshua Sebree, and David Gossman
- Iowa’s soil supports crop growth, stores carbon, filters water impurities, provides a habitat for organisms, and stores and provides water and nutrients for plants.
- The availability of elements within soil is an indicator of the viability of soil.
- Total % carbon is the percent composition of carbon in the sample. Total organic carbon enters the soil through the decomposition of plants, microorganisms, and animals.
- C:H ratios can reveal the potential for microbial activity and soil fertility.
- Gossman property allows for the analysis of a variety of different soil conditions in one location
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Identifying Pottery Extracts using Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy
Evelyn Lopez and Joshua Sebree
- Located in Jackson County, Iowa, Gossman Farm fosters many unique environments such as caves, freshwater springs, and various soil environments.
- This research focuses on the pottery fragments found at Indian Cave located within the Gossman property.
- Pottery fragments have been recovered at Indian Cave by Dave Gossman. It’s believed that these pottery fragments are from the Native Americans that used to inhabit the area.
- By analyzing the pottery fragments at Gossman Park, insight can be given on the history of the settlers at Gossman Farm and the use of the pottery.
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X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Early Settler Artifacts Recovered from Gossman Caves and Prairie Complex
Zachry S. Poshusta and Joshua Sebree
Meskwaki Tribe: Lived in Jackson County, Iowa, until 1845.
European Settlers: Took over the land, building structures and forming townships.
Artifacts: Both groups left behind pottery shards, campsite remnants, and building foundations.
Study Focus: Analyzing artifacts using X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry.
Sample Sites: Gossman Prairie and Cave Complex.
Objective: Determine if both groups used local clay for crafting.
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Going with the Flow: Quantifying Lead Levels Along a Natural Water Pathway
Kailah Thompson and Joshua Sebree
Lead contamination in natural water is a significant concern due to its toxic effects on both ecological and human health. Jackson County, with its historical background in lead mining and ammunition production, presents an ideal region to study lead’s movement and potential impacts in natural water environments. This research traces the journey of lead ions from a spring, through a creek, and into a pond, examining how lead concentrations change along the water pathway. The study uses differential pulse stripping voltammetry, a precise technique for trace metal analysis, alongside pH and temperature measurements to provide insight into factors that influence lead distribution and mobility in natural water. The results of this study could shed light on local lead contamination sources and patterns while also providing data that may be helpful to quality management for communities and ecosystem alike.
