Publication Date

Spring 2016

Document Type

Project Summary

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Analytical Chemistry

First Advisor

Walter Henne, Jr., Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Timothy Gsell, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Stephen Kent, M.B.A.

Abstract

The original focus of this project was to develop an in house procedure for the recovery of commonly used science laboratory solvents consisting of Acetone, Ethyl (Ethanol) Alcohol, Hexane, Methanol and Hydrochloric Acid from everyday laboratory waste. However, the projects scope shifted a little further back to basics when it was discovered that Laboratory Waste Safety and Accounting practices were insufficient. It was assumed that identification of waste products was being recorded accurately. It became apparent with the very first waste bottle analysis that chemicals recorded on the standardized waste log sheets were not always what was in the waste bottles. Therefore the focus was changed to verify if the existing waste disposal procedures are properly being followed with the expectation that future ongoing experiments can focus on the original recovery aspect of the project.

The experimental procedures of this project have zeroed in the Non-Halogenated and Halogenated labeled Waste. These chemicals have been chosen for the case study for the following reasons. These groups of chemicals:

1) Are a standard in numerous labs across the chemistry disciples. 2) Generate the largest volumes of waste.
3) Analysis can be conducted using currently available instrumentation.
4) Theoretically will provide quality standards of recovery

The experimental procedures have been theorized and developed from various chemistry curriculums over the past 13 years from the perspective of the Lab Manager.

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