Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

When it comes to analytical chemistry for inorganic elements especially metals, it is almost impossible to not include Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Compared to simpler laboratory analysis that we have done during matriculation and first year such as titration or measurement using portable meter, the usage of AAS and ICP-MS is rather complex in terms of the whole mechanism used within the instrument. However, we can precisely know the concentration of element contained by the sample using these two methods with the careful preparation of standard solutions. I have written a similar post regarding heavy metal analysis technology last year, but this time we are going to look into the details to understand better how they work behind the shell of the machines.

(Image taken from the website of Avomeen Analytical Services.

Getting Back to the Main Purpose of Going Environmental

The title of today's post might sound weird, but it is what all of us should do because we often tend to accidentally miss out the point of going green when we are pushing for a sustainable cause. As an environmentalist (no matter you are studying or working in any field), we want the best for the environment and we also hope that people around us do the same as well. Besides showering our peers with 'environmental-friendly behaviour', we might involve ourselves as the organisers or volunteers for some green events and projects. We want to conserve water by avoiding wastage, we want to encourage the reduction of plastic bag usage, we want to stop the invasion of polystyrene containers to our garbage dump. It seems that the list is endless and we are working hard to attract people's attention on these issues. The problem is, do we miss the target?

(photo taken during my first fieldwork in UPM)
Just a pile of leaves to capture your attention for awhile, hahaha...

SIEPC 2015 - Ignite the Silver Lining

I have always believed in youth's potential to make a change towards the community and the environment. We search for our direction, we dream, we let our mind run wild and be so ambitious that people might scoff at us. However, most of the time we are not sure how to do it, or doubt that we can really make it happen the way we want. We have the ideas in our head, but we are afraid to voice it out. We have the time and energy if we really want to put the plan in front of the priority list, but sometimes we lack of the confidence and motivation to take the first step.

It's time to overcome the fear, my fellow UPM undergraduates!