Measuring the Rate of Ligand Exchange Reactions: Elucidation of Copper and Nickel Toxicity in Aquatic Environments
School Name
Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Environmental Science
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
In this research, the behavior of copper and nickel was studied when exposed to different ligands at various concentrations. Traces of copper and nickel can be found in local water sources, but little is known about just how safe these metals are to the environment, especially nickel. To test how these metals would complex, ligands such as nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) were tested when mixed with the metal solutions, and spectrofluorimetry was used to analyze the complexing nature. Calcein was used to initiate the reaction, much like the way these metals would complex in a natural environment. The data generated shows how kinetically stable the substance is based on the amount of free calcein remaining over time. The results will help to better understand toxicity in a water source based on its ability to react. This can further help protect from pollution since the behaviors of metals in water can be observed.
Recommended Citation
Myers, Collin and Finely, Savannah, "Measuring the Rate of Ligand Exchange Reactions: Elucidation of Copper and Nickel Toxicity in Aquatic Environments" (2018). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 59.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2018/all/59
Location
Neville 110
Start Date
4-14-2018 9:15 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Measuring the Rate of Ligand Exchange Reactions: Elucidation of Copper and Nickel Toxicity in Aquatic Environments
Neville 110
In this research, the behavior of copper and nickel was studied when exposed to different ligands at various concentrations. Traces of copper and nickel can be found in local water sources, but little is known about just how safe these metals are to the environment, especially nickel. To test how these metals would complex, ligands such as nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) were tested when mixed with the metal solutions, and spectrofluorimetry was used to analyze the complexing nature. Calcein was used to initiate the reaction, much like the way these metals would complex in a natural environment. The data generated shows how kinetically stable the substance is based on the amount of free calcein remaining over time. The results will help to better understand toxicity in a water source based on its ability to react. This can further help protect from pollution since the behaviors of metals in water can be observed.
