2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 1/12 E2: Environmental Forensics On this page: Introduction (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2- environmental-forensics#intro) Safety Information (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2- environmental-forensics#safety) Labtorial Resources (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental- forensics#labtorial) Lab Manual (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2- environmental-forensics#manual) “Dry Lab” Results (Remote students only) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental- forensics#results) Safety Material Datasheets for Unknown Salts (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental- forensics#sds) Assessments (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2- environmental-forensics#assessments) Introduction Analytical chemistry forms an important part of environmental science. The growth of plants depends to a large extent on the salts present in the soil. Some of these salts can determine the soil pH and hence the chemical state of nutrients within the soil. An analysis of the ions present in soil thus forms an important part of its chemical characterisation. 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 2/12 But plants are not the only form of life affected by the ions present within their environment. The health of animals, including humans, is also very dependent on the ions to which they are exposed. There are, for example, many metal ions which are essential to our existence (e.g. Na , K , Ca , Mg , Fe , Fe , Cu and Zn ) because of crucial roles they play in our metabolism or other physiological processes, such as respiration, muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, etc. + + 2+ 2+ 2+ 3+ 2+ 2+ 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 3/12 Figure 2: Graphical representation of elements found in humans. Due to the importance of these metallic salts, it is important to be able to identify the metal ions in any given salt, especially as they may be toxic to both plant and animal life in large quantities. If a given researcher or employee has access to a university or research institution, this can be performed using a range of modern equipment such as a Flame-AAS or ICP-MS. However, such equipment is expensive and even sending a sample to be analysed can cost hundreds of dollars! To counteract this, field researchers often utilise inexpensive testing kits containing a range of cheap solutions that can be used to qualitatively provide a first ‘guess’ as to the identity or presence of certain metal ions. In this experiment you will imagine that you are working for the NSW Environmental Protection Agency and are currently on site near a large chemical production facility. You will test the identity of two waste salts being dumped nearby and provide a brief statement back to your employer about the identity of these salts and the simple chemical tests you used to justify your claims. Safety Information 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 4/12 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Identify the Hazard Determine the Risk Control the Risk Disposal of waste Unknown Sample Medium risk. Treat as hazardous. Heavy metal waste container. Bunsen burner Hazard – Start a fire. Causes burns Setup in an isolated fumehood with no fuel sources. N/A Nitric Acid (4 M) Hazardous – Corrosive and irritant. Avoid eye or skin contact and inhalation. Flush down the sink with copious amounts of water. Hydrochloric Acid (4 M) Hazardous – Corrosive and irritant. Hydrochloric Acid (1 M) Hazardous – Corrosive and irritant. Sodium hydroxide (1 M) Hazardous – Corrosive and irritant. 2,2′-Bipyridine (0.1 M) Hazardous – Toxic. Handle with care. Low risk. Avoid eye or skin contact and inhalation. Non-halogenated organic waste container. 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 5/12 Potassium Thiocyanate (0.1 M) Hazardous – Irritant. Flush down the sink with copious amounts of water. Silver Nitrate (0.1 M) Hazardous – Irritant. Heavy metal waste container. Barium Chloride (0.1 M) Hazardous – Irritant. Labtorial Resources Worksheets The following worksheets cover theory, concepts and calculations covered experiment 1. You should watch the short video available to watch at the top of each worksheet which will explain the theory and content covered in the worksheet. The worksheets will unlock at 12:01 am Monday the week of your labtorial and you then have 2 weeks to complete them. You have an unlimited number of attempts within this 2 week period with your highest score be counted. You must attempt and submit all 5 worksheets BEFORE your lab class next week to be allowed to participate. Labtorial Worksheet 2a – Chemical equations (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/quizzes/182951) Labtorial Worksheet 2b – Calculating moles (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/quizzes/182944) Labtorial Worksheet 2c – Units and prefixes (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/quizzes/182959) Labtorial Worksheet 2d – The experiment (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/quizzes/182956) 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 6/12 Practical Exercises (On-Campus only) The following exercises are not assessed and aim to give you practical experience of the various laboratory techniques you will be using in next week’s experiment. It is an opportunity to learn and master the correct technique without the pressure of affecting your lab experiment. These practical labtorials will only run for 90 min with students being staggered over the timetabled 3 hour lab session. Please check your personalised lab schedule to see what time you should attend your practical labtorial lab class. Note these exercises are only for on-campus students only. Understanding the chemical tests (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22568570 wrap=1) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22568570/download download_frd=1) Lab Manual/Experiment Details On-Campus Lab Manual (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22570981 wrap=1) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22570981/download download_frd=1) Remote Lab Manual (coming soon) “Dry Lab” Results (Remote students only) Note that some variation from the on-campus lab manual may be observed. Where present, follow the instructions provided in the following pages and videos. Part One – Colour tests (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2- environmental-forensics-part-1-of-4) Part Two – Anion tests (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2- environmental-forensics-part-2-of-4) 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 7/12 Part Three – Cation tests (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics- part-3-of-4) Part Four – Hazard evaluation (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2- environmental-forensics-part-4-of-4) Safety Material Datasheets for Unknown Salts Click on the salt to view its safety material datasheet Cations Ag salts Anions Cl- salts AgCl (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045497 wrap=1) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045497/download download_frd=1) BaCl (https:/ Br- salts AgBr (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045342 wrap=1) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045342/download download_frd=1) BaBr (https:/ SO salts Ag SO (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045338 wrap=1) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045338/download download_frd=1) BaSO (https:/ CO salts Ag CO (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045505 wrap=1) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045505/download download_frd=1) BaCO (https:/ Assessments + 42- 2 4 32- 2 3 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 8/12 Labtorial Worksheet (1%) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2- environmental-forensics#labtorial) The labtorial worksheet covers theory, techniques, safety hazards and practice calculations you will utilise in the subsequent experiment. For this reason, the labtorial worksheet MUST be completed BEFORE you attend lab for this experiment (or attempt your dry lab online for remote students). Note that there is an unlimited number of attempts (until it closes) and full marks are not required for lab access (just a submission attempt). The closing date is 11:59 pm Sunday after the experiment lab class so you still have time to discuss the questions/content with your demonstrator and improve your mark if you are yet to score full marks. Logbook (1%) (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/assignments/359922) During the experiments, you are required to take notes of measurements and observations. You will also be prompted by questions in the lab manual/dry lab pages/demo slides. Submit your logbook (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/assignments/359922) to CANVAS by the 11:59 pm Monday next week. This should either be a scan/photograph copy of your hand-written logbook or a typed-up log book submission. Marking Rubric This logbook contributes 1% of your Unit of Study. The breakdown of marks are as follows: Criteria Ratings Pts Formatting 1 pts Full Marks Experiment title and date present. Sections clearly defined. Minor issues are allowed. 0.5 pts Good 1-2 significant issues identified. Eg No title, sections not clearly defined, illegible handwriting. 0 pts No Marks >2 issues 1 pts 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 9/12 Criteria Ratings Pts Observations/notes Includes all observations involving colours and phase changes (bubbling, precipitation). Where positive tests are confirmed, the reaction scheme is provided to explain the outcome. 3 pts Full Marks A good and accurate account of observations recorded. Reaction schemes drawn for positive tests. 2 pts Great A good account of observations recorded. A few crucial observations were missing, or the reaction schemes may be missing. 1 pts Good Brief or general observations. No reaction schemes to explain observations. 0 pts No Marks Poor or no account of observations recorded. 3 pts Unknown Sample 1 Identification Correctly identifies the cation and anion of the first unknown salt and provides the correct molecular formula. Hazards are correctly identified. 3 pts Full Marks Correctly identified the cation and anion AND provided the correct chemical formula. 2 pts Great 1 item (cation, anion, or chemical formula) was incorrect. Note: that if the cation or anion is incorrect, but the chemical formula is correct for the salt proposed, a mark is still scored for chemical formula. 1 pts Good 2 items (cation, anion, or chemical formula is incorrect) Note: that if the cation and/or anion is incorrect, but the chemical formula is correct for the salt proposed, a mark is still scored for chemical formula. 0 pts No Marks >4 results do not match expected outcomes or are missing. 3 pts 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 10/12 Criteria Ratings Pts Unknown Sample 2 Identification Correctly identifies the cation and anion of the first unknown salt and provides the correct molecular formula. Hazards are correctly identified. 3 pts Full Marks Correctly identified the cation and anion AND provided the correct chemical formula. 2 pts Great 1 item (cation, anion, or chemical formula) was incorrect. Note: that if the cation or anion is incorrect, but the chemical formula is correct for the salt proposed, a mark is still scored for chemical formula. 1 pts Good 2 items (cation, anion, or chemical formula is incorrect) Note: that if the cation and/or anion is incorrect, but the chemical formula is correct for the salt proposed, a mark is still scored for chemical formula. 0 pts No Marks >4 results do not match expected outcomes or are missing. 3 pts Total Points: 10 Major Post-lab Assessment Option 2 (of 4) ($CANVAS_OBJECT_REFERENCE$/assignments/gc2e951da3e05348e697350ad0325dc42) : Letter to the EPA (10%) Indicate this assessment as your preference here. (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/quizzes/179532) Expected length: ~1 page Having identified the samples and hazards associated with them, write a letter to the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about your findings. Be sure to include how you identified the salts. You should include the negative results (but you do not need to describe them in detail – just what the outcome of the negative result means). You should also avoid mentioning unnecessary details needed for the communication (eg concentrations and glassware used) and not use reaction schemes (this would be an inappropriate “language” for this form of communication – everything should be described with words). Highlight any errors or uncertainty in your tests/observations and comment on 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 11/12 the severity/urgency of cleaning up the spill based on the hazards you have identified. Marking Rubric This post-lab assessment contributes 10% of your Unit of Study and is due 11:59 pm Sunday 15th May (End of week 11). The breakdown of marks are as follows: Criteria Formatting Presented in appropriate professional letter format Correct identification Correctly identified the two samples of unknown salts. Target audience Language used was appropriate for the target audience. It gave sufficient technical in Language The account of the investigation was adequately provided in words for each sample. R used. Referencing data All data/conclusions drawn, and recommendations made, are consistent with the data Irrelevant information (eg concentrations or glassware) is omitted. Note that negative results are still useful data through the “process of elimination” and summarised. Hazard Identification The correct hazard(s) were drawn from the SDS and communicated. Recommendation Reasonable recommendation based on the hazard(s) identified. Length Only relevant information was communicated in a concise manner. Resources How to format a professional letter (https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/business- communication/how-to-write-a-formal-business-letter/1/) Example letter to the EPA (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045448 wrap=1) 2022/5/18 15:12 E2: Environmental Forensics: CHEM1X11 Chemistry 1A – Lab Programme https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/pages/e2-environmental-forensics#Letter 12/12 Copyright
The University of Sydney. Unless otherwise indicated, 3rd party
material has been reproduced and communicated to you by or on behalf
of the University of Sydney in accordance with section 113P of the
Copyright Act 1968 (Act). The material in this communication may be
subject to copyright under the Act. Any further reproduction or
communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act. Do not remove this notice. Live
streamed classes in this unit may be recorded to enable students to
review the content. If you have concerns about this, please visit our student guide (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4901/pages/zoom) and contact the unit coordinator. (https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/41313/files/22045448/download download_frd=1)
