CHEMICAL MONITORING AND

MANAGEMENT
1. MUCH OF THE WORK OF CHEMISTS INVOLVES MONITORING THE REACTANTS AND
PRODUTS OF REACTIONS AND MANAGING REACTION CONDITIONS
1.1. OUTLINE THE ROLE OF CHEMIST EMPLOYED IN A NAMED INDUSTRY OR ENTERPRISE,
IDENTIFYING THE BRANCH OF CHEMISTRY UNDERTAKEN BY THE CHEMIST AND
EXPL AINING A CHEMICAL PRINCIPLE THAT THE CHEMIST USES
DETAILED STUDY OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY [CHOSEN INDUSTRY]
DESCRIPTION OF THEIR BRANCH OF CHEMISTRY
Brief description of analytical chemistry
Analytical chemistry involves the use of physical and chemical processes to determine the nature of
various chemical substances. This includes the identification of the substances composition, its
behaviour for different conditions, and how well the substance complies with regulations. Analytical
chemistry requires the ability to use knowledge on chemistry, calculations, procedures and
instrumentation, to produce highly accurate results for their chemical analysis, as well as reliably
determining the validity of their results by interpreting the data within the appropriate context.
Impact of analytical chemistry on society
Analytical chemistry is used widely within the food and pharmaceutical industry, where safety is a
definite requirement to ensure the well-being of the consumer. Analytical chemists are expected to
apply their skills to ascertain the safety and quality of various foods and medicines, which are required
to comply with strict regulations that exist to protect the end consumer.
Analytic chemistry is also applied to a large extent, within the water distribution industry, which is
responsible for providing a population with water appropriate for consumption, as well as commercial
and industrial applications. An analytical chemist in this industry is required to be able to determine the
various concentrations of ions present in the water supply, and produce a judgement on whether the
water is suitable for distribution to society, thereby ensuring the well-being of the general population.
INFORMATION REGARDING PRACTISING SCIENTIST
Name

Dr Debashish Mazumder

Job

Environmental scientist Uses analytical

chemistry

Gende
r

Male

BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY

Name of
company

ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology

Organisation)

Location

Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia

Classification

Government funded organisation

WHAT DO THEY TEST OR PRODUCE?

General information on scientist
Dr Debashish Mazumder is an environmental scientist who is concerned with the study of the
environment, and utilises various isotopic techniques to study the impacts of human activity and

climate variability on the environment, most notably the Murray Darling Basin. This particular scientist
is able to design and conduct experiments within a collective, and extract suitable samples for isotopic
analysis. Isotopic analysis is the investigation into the composition of the amount and types of stable
isotopes and radioisotopes, those that radioactively decay overtime, within chemical compounds. Dr
Debashish Mazumder uses this to project an estimation of what occurs within the food webs. This is
achievable because certain plants contain a specific set of isotopes, which are then consumed
throughout the food web. Through this Dr Debashish Mazumder is able to qualitatively and
quantitatively analyse the impacts of human behaviour on the environment, by analysing the
distribution of isotopes across flora and fauna species in an ecosystem.
What is being tested or produced?
Dr Debashish Mazumder is currently testing the distribution of carbon and nitrogen isotopes across the
food web, which includes aquatic ecosystems, wetlands, as well as groundwater and surface water
environments. Through his tests, Dr Mazumder aims to determine the source and journey of these
carbon and nitrogen isotopes to gain an understanding of the food web interactions occurring amongst
these complex systems, and deduce the impact of human interaction upon these systems.
AREA CURRENTLY WORKING ON AND THEIR RESEARCH
Area currently operating within and the goal of their research
Dr Debashish Mazumder is currently working on the Murray Darling Basin, and using his knowledge on
food webs to determine the repercussions of human sourced pollution and climate change on the
ecosystems at the Murray Darling Basin. His research consists of using isotopic techniques to determine
the distribution of isotopes across flora and fauna in the Murray Darling Basin, and then applying this to
his goal of understanding the impacts of human activity and climate variability on nearby ecosystems.
Impacts of their research on society
Dr Debashish Mazumders research on the environment involves the study of how food web
relationships are affected by changes in water management, land use, and climate variability. Dr
Debashish Mazumder applies this to gain an understanding of the impacts of human interaction and
climate change on the ecosystems at the Murray Darling Basin. The research of this scientist will
provide valuable information, which would provide the necessary and appropriate scientific advice to
ensure that the water supply to the ecologically significant wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin, is
maintained to protect the various ecosystems near those concerned areas.
EXPLANATION OF A CHEMICAL PRINCIPLE USED
Reason for using accelerator mass spectrometry
A chemical principle which relates to analytic chemistry, used by Dr Debashish Mazumder, is the idea
that each isotope has a different charge to mass ratio. This means that different isotopes would
experience a different force within an external magnetic or electric field, thereby allowing a scientist to
distinguish between different isotopes. This is used to determine the abundance of naturally occurring
stable and long-lived radioisotopes in flora or fauna samples.
Explanation of principle used
Due to each isotope having a different mass to charge ratio, they can be identified through an
analytical chemistry technique called accelerator mass spectrometry. This principle of each isotope
having a different charge to mass ratio is exploited in this analytical chemistry technique, whereby an
external magnetic field is used to accelerate the isotopes within a confined radius. Since each isotope
has a different charge to mass ratio, the force they experience within this confining external magnetic
field varies. Therefore, for certain isotopes, the force acting upon them will be insufficient to retain their
uniform circular motion, resulting in their ejection from the apparatus, until the isotope with the higher
charge to mass ratio is all that remains. Therefore, through the exploitation of the principle of each
isotope having a differing charge to mass ratio in a chemistry technique called accelerator mass
spectrometry, the types and amount of isotopes in a given sample can be derived.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED AND TRAINING REQUIRED

Qualifications needed

Training required

Requires a degree in chemistry of a related

subject to become an analytical chemist
A degree in analytical chemistry, applied
chemistry, biochemistry, environmental
sciences and forensic science are examples of
related subjects
Usually a substantial amount of previous work
experience is required to obtain a higher level
of employment as an analytical chemist
A Ph.D. graduate is also considered more
qualified for more senior positions for
analytical chemistry

Training for analytical chemistry is usually

accomplished during the duration of the
occupation, with the assistance of senior
colleagues
Training can also be provided by short
courses before the individual begins the
occupation
The individual is trained for the documented
procedures and techniques used during the
occupation
Thorough training for work health and safety
is offered to provide a safe working
environment for employees

1.2. IDENTIFY THE NEED FOR COLL ABORATION BETWEEN CHEMISTS AS THEY COLLECT AND
ANALYSE DATA
IMPORTANCE OF COLL ABORATION BETWEEN CHEMISTS
Reasons for collaborating

Efficiency is increased, reducing time taken and thus the cost

Skills can be amassed and shared between chemists
As chemists grow increasingly more specialised, collaboration is required to complete a task that
may require expertise in a variety of areas

HOW DO THEY WORK COLL ABORATIVE WITH OTHER CHEMISTS?

Dr Debashish Mazumder is currently collaborating with universities and government agencies in
Australia and Asia-Pacific countries in various projects. These projects aim to quantify and assess the
environmental problems, by gathering information from their individual research projects, which can be
corroborated and provide a compelling argument for improving the existing management of water
resources to benefit the environment.
1.3. DESCRIBE AN EXAMPLE OF A CHEMICAL REACTION SUCH AS COMBUSTION, WHERE
REACTANTS FORM DIFFERENT PRODUCTS UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS AND THUS
WOULD NEED MONITORING
DESCRIPTION OF COMBUSTION
Combustion involves the reaction of a chemical with oxygen, usually to produce by-products such as
water and carbon dioxide. However, some combustion reacts can undergo incomplete combustion,
whereby there is insufficient oxygen, thus resulting in the production of toxic carbon monoxide, carbon
and water.
Hence combustion reactions must be monitored to ensure that the production of carbon monoxide is
controlled, thus preventing harmful interactions from occurring between carbon monoxide and humans,
since carbon monoxide disrupts the human bodys ability to transport oxygen.
EXAMPLE OF A COMBUSTION REACTION [BUTANE]
Complete
combustion
Incomplete
combustion

2. CHEMICAL PROCESSES IN INDUSTRY REQUIRE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT

TO MAXIMISE PRODUCTION
2.1. IDENTIFY AND DESCRIBE THE INDUSTRIAL USES OF AMMONIA
On a domestic and industrial level, ammonia has several applications that benefit society.
Industrial Applications

Commercial applications

Used in fertilisers as ammonium phosphate,

ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate
Most ammonia is used for this purpose
Also used in the production of nitric acid,
which is then in turn used to manufacture
explosives

Ammonia is used in cleaning products, usually

those used to clean glass surfaces Window
cleaners

2.2. IDENTIFY THAT AMMONIA CANBE SYNTHESISED FROM ITS COMPONENTS GASES,
NITROGEN AND HYDROGEN
DESCRIPTION OF AMMONIA FORMATION
Ammonia is formed from the exothermic equilibria reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen gas. Since
it is an equilibria reaction, heat, pressure and use of catalyst must be monitored to ensure maximum
yield of ammonia.
CHEMICAL EQUATION

Forward reaction

Number of moles decreases from 4 moles to 2

moles, thus the pressure will decrease
Forward reaction releases heat, thus it is
exothermic

Reverse reaction

Number of moles increases from 2 moles to 4

moles, thus the pressure will increase
Reverse reaction absorbs heat, thus it is
endothermic

ACQUIRING HYDROGEN AND NITROGEN GAS

Hydrogen gas is obtained through the electrolysis of water, whereas nitrogen is acquired through the
fractional distillation of liquefied air.
2.3. DESCRIBE THAT THE SYNTHESIS OF AMMONIA OCCURS AS A REVERSIBLE REACTION
THAT WILL REACH EQUILIBRIUM
EQUILIBRIUM REACTION
As shown in the following chemical equation, the reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen gas, to
produce ammonia, is a reversible reaction that can reach an equilibrium.
Under standard testing conditions (25oC/100kPa), the equilibrium is positioned to the left, thus no
ammonia can be produced in standard conditions. Hence through the application of Le Chateliers
principle, the heat, pressure, and concentration of product, can be manipulated to increase the
maximum amount of ammonia yielded from the reaction.
CHEMICAL EQUATION

The equilibrium symbol indicates that this reaction is reversible

2.4. IDENTIFY THE REACTION OF HYDROGEN WITH NITROGEN AS EXOTHERMIC

CHEMICAL EQUATION

FORWARD REACTION IS EXOTHERMIC

Evident in the above chemical equation, the reaction between 1 mole of nitrogen and 3 moles of
hydrogen gas, produces 2 moles of ammonia and 92kJ. Thus for every mole of ammonia produced, the
reaction will release 46kJ of thermal energy, hence the forward reaction is exothermic. This means that
decreasing the temperature should result in higher yields of ammonia.

2.5. EXPL AIN WHY THE RATE OF REACTION IS INCREASED BY HIGHER TEMPERATURES
As temperature increases, particles move increasingly faster, thereby increasing the frequency at which
they collide. This results in a higher forward and reverse reaction rate, thus increasing the overall
reaction rate of the reaction, however it does not necessarily move the position of the equilibrium.
2.6. EXPL AIN WHY THE YIELD OF PRODUCT IN THE HABER PROCESS IS REDUCED AT HIGHER
TEMPERATURES USING LE CHATELIERS PRINCIPLE
EXPL ANATION
According to Le Chateliers Principle a system which shift its equilibrium to minimise any changes. Thus
in the Haber process, which involves the production of ammonia from its base elements, it will be
affected by changes in temperature since it is an exothermic equilibrium reaction.
This means that increasing the temperature will cause the position of the equilibrium to shift
backwards, and decreasing the temperature will shift the equilibrium forward, in accordance with Le
Chateliers Principle. Hence, to maximise the yield of ammonia, the temperature should be as low as
possible.
YIELD OF AMMONIA AS TEMPERATURE CHANGES

As temperature decreases, the yield of ammonia increases

2.7. EXPL AIN WHY THE HABER PROCESS IS BASED ON A DELICATE BALANCING ACT
INVOLVING REACTION ENERGY, REACTION RATE AND EQUILIBRIUM
EXPL ANATION
The Haber process, as outlined previously, will produce a higher yield of ammonia at lower
temperatures, according to Le Chateliers Principle. However, decreasing the temperature would result
in a slower reaction rate, hence the rate at which ammonia is produced at would decrease.
Thus there is an ideal temperature, whereby the product of the yield of ammonia and the rate at which
it is being produced at, will be a maximum. I.e. Maintaining a moderate yield at a moderate rate, would
produce more ammonia over time than a large yield but at a slow rate. Therefore, the Haber process
must be monitored to maintain the ideal reaction energy and reaction rate, which are affected by
temperature.

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON TOTAL YIELD OF AMMONIA OVER TIME

There is an ideal temperature where the yield of ammonia over time is a maximum
2.8. EXPL AIN THAT THE USE OF A CATALYST WILL LOWER THE REACTION TEMPERATURE
REQUIRED AND IDENTIFY THE CATALYST(S) USED IN THE HABER PROCESS
Catalysts are used in chemical reactions to offer an alternate reaction pathway that has a lower
activation energy, thus lowering the reaction temperature without being consumed in the reaction.
The catalyst used in the Haber process is porous magnetite, Fe 3O4, mixed with other metal oxides. It
provides a high surface area in which the reaction can occur within.
2.9. ANALYSE THE IMPACT OF INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE SYSTEM INVOLVED IN THE
HABER PROCESS
THE HABER PROCESS

Forward reaction

Number of moles decreases from 4 moles to 2

moles, thus the pressure will decrease
Forward reaction releases heat, thus it is
exothermic

Reverse reaction

Number of moles increases from 2 moles to 4

moles, thus the pressure will increase
Reverse reaction absorbs heat, thus it is
endothermic

EFFECT OF PRESSURE ON THE SYSTEM

Increasing pressure

According to Le Chateliers Principle, the

equilibrium will shift forward to minimise the
increase in pressure
This will result in a higher yield of ammonia,
hence the Haber process is usually performed
under high pressure

Decreasing pressure

According to Le Chateliers Principle, the

equilibrium will shift backwards to minimise
the decrease in pressure
This will result in a lower yield of ammonia

2.10.EXPL AIN WHY MONITORING OF THE REACTION VESSEL USED IN THE HABER PROCESS IS
CRUCIAL AND DISCUSS THE MONITORING REQUIRED
Monitoring the reaction vessel is crucial for both safety and efficiency during manufacture of ammonia
in the Haber process.
Aspect being
monitored

Reason

Pressure

Pressure must be maintained at high levels to promote higher yield of

ammonia, however excessive pressures is both costly and dangerous to
maintain. The pressure used is 250atm.

Temperature

Moderate temperatures must be used to promote moderate yield at a

moderate rate, thus resulting in maximum yield of ammonia over time. This
ideal temperature is around 400oC.

Reactants

The reactants, hydrogen and nitrogen, must be kept at a 3:1 molar ratio
respectively. A build-up of any one reactant would decrease the efficiency of
the process.

Atmospheric
gases

Noble gases in the atmosphere can reduce the efficiency of the reaction,
whereas oxygen can cause a potential explosion.

Products

Ammonia product must be continually condensed and taken from the reaction
vessel, thereby resulting in continual production of ammonia.

3. MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS INCLUDING FOOD, DRUGS, AND HOUSEHOLD

CHEMICALS, ARE ANALYSED TO DETERMINE OR ENSURE THEIR CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION
3.1. DEDUCE THE IONS PRESENT IN A SAMPLE FROM THE RESULTS OF TESTS
PRECIPITATION TESTS ELIMINATION SERIES
ANIONS

CATIONS

FL AME TEST FOR CATIONS CONFIRMATION TEST

Metal

Flame colour

Barium

Light green

Calcium

Brick red

Lead

Blue-tinged
white

Copper

Blue-green

Iron

Yellow

SOLUBILITY RULES

3.2. DESCRIBE THE USE OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY (AAS) IN DETECTING

CONCENTRATIONS OF METAL IONS IN SOLUTIONS AND ASSESS ITS IMPACT ON
SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE EFFECTS OF TRACE ELEMENTS
DESCRIPTION OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
EMISSION SPECTRUM OF ELEMENTS
Each element has a unique absorption spectrum due to their differing electron configurations. This is
due to different energy levels in the atom, where absorbed light is the result of an electron being
excited to a higher energy level. Since each element has a differing electron configuration, the
absorption spectrum is different for each one.

DIAGRAM OF APPARATUS

EQUIPMENT
Equipment

Purpose

Lamp

Emits a laser of light which will pass through the

sample

Flame

Vaporises the sample into a homogenous form

Lens

Focuses the beam of light into a coherent beam

Prism

Refracts the coherent beam into a spectrum for

analysis

Photomultipli
er

Detects which wavelengths are absorbed and by how

much

PROCESS OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

1) Light source is directed at the flame. It emits radiation specific to the ions being test, such as those
that will be absorbed.
2) The sample, usually in a solution, is then placed into the flame and vaporised. This sample has a
known concentration, and will be used to calibrate the graph.
3) The energy absorbed by sample of known concentration is measured, thus allowing for other
samples with the same ions to have their concentrations measured. This is a quantitative analysis,
instead of a qualitative analysis that can be achieved with other less expensive tests.
4) The solution of the same ion with unknown concentration is then delivered into the flame. The light
shines through the vapour through a lens, and through a prism which refracts it into a spectrum. A
photomultiplier then measures how much the wavelengths have been absorbed, then determines
from the graph the concentration of the ion.
ASSESS THE IMPACT ON SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE EFFECTS OF TRACE ELEMENTS
CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING AND SOCIETY
Through atomic absorption spectroscopy, the trace elements of metals within all lifeforms can be
measured to incredible accuracy, hence improving scientific understanding in regards to the
importance of trace elements. This includes blood samples from humans, cultures from microorganisms, soil samples, and water samples. Pollutants and contaminants that are harmful in small
amounts, can be detected in soils and waterways to prevent harm to humans, thus benefitting society.
LIMITATIONS OF ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY
While atomic absorption spectroscopy is extremely effective at quantitative reading, a qualitative
analysis is usually done, since AAS is extremely costly and slow.

4. HUMAN ACTIVITY HAS CAUSED CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION AND THE

STRUCTURE OF THE ATMOSPHERE. CHEMISTS MONITOR THESE CHANGES SO
THAT FURTHER DAMAGE CAN BE LIMITED.

<Not done yet>

5. MONITORING THE WATER SUPPLY

5.1. IDENTIFY THAT WATER QUALITY CAN BE DETERMINED BY CONSIDERING
CONCENTRATION OF IONS, TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS, HARDNESS, TURBIDITY, ACIDITY,
DISSOLVED OXYGEN, AND BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
Measureme
nt

Description

Concentrati
on of
common
ions

Concentrations of common ions such as phosphate and nitrate ions are an indication
of water quality. These ions are often present due to the use of fertilisers, and can
result in the formation of algae blooms.

Total
dissolved
solids

Total dissolved solids is the mass of solids dissolved in a sample of water, usually
measured in ppm (mg/L). Generally safe drinking water has a TDS of below 100ppm,
and water with a TDS above 500ppm is unsafe for consumption.

Hardness

Hardness of water is determined by the concentration of calcium or magnesium ions.

The presence of these ions prevents water from forming a lather with soap (foamy
bubbles), and instead causes the formation of grey scum, thus restricting the
effectiveness of soap.

Turbidity

Turbidity is the measurement of how clear a sample of water is, with lower turbidity
meaning clearer water. These suspended solids can make water toxic, and prevent
light from reaching aquatic plants, resulting in decreased photosynthesis.

Acidity

Acidity is the measurement of the pH of water. Generally, most marine ecosystems

are sensitive to pH, with variations in pH resulting in the death of aquatic life. Sources
that affect pH include acid rain, industrial waste, and build-up of minerals in old
mines.

Dissolved
oxygen

Dissolved oxygen is the measure of how much oxygen is present in water. If DO is too
low, then anaerobic bacteria can dominate an aquatic ecosystem, and result in the
death of aerobic organisms.

Biochemica
l oxygen
demand

Biochemical oxygen demand is the measure of how much dissolved oxygen is

necessary to facilitate the decomposition of organic matter through aerobic bacteria.
The lower the BOD, the higher the quality of water as there is a high level of DO.

5.2. IDENTIFY FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE CONCENTRATIONS OF A RANGE OF IONS IN

SOLUTION IN NATURAL BODIES OF WATER SUCH AS RIVERS AND OCEANS
Ions in water

Source

NO3-,PO42-

Accumulated from water travelling over land and collecting animal faeces

NO ,PO
4

24

,SO

Accumulated from fertilisers used on agricultural land

2-

Ca2+,Mg2+
Pb

4+

Accumulated from water travelling underground and encountering minerals

Accumulated from industrial waste, especially those from car factories

5.3. DESCRIBE AND ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF METHODS USED TO PURIFY AND
SANITISE MASS WATER SUPPLIES
DESCRIPTION OF PURIFICATION PROCESSES
Process

Description

Screening

Water is passed through a series of large screens to remove larger foreign objects
from the water supply.

Flocculatio
n

Coagulants such as Al2(SO4)3, are missed with limewater [Ca(OH)2], resulting in the
formation of larger particles as the solids, iron and bacteria in the water are absorbed
by the coagulant.

Clarificatio
n

Clarification is the process whereby the coagulated particles are allowed to settle at
the bottom.

Filtration

Filtration involves the use of fine filters to remove any remaining particles. Usually a
sand, gravel, and coal filter are used, however more advanced membrane filters can
filter out bacteria.

Chlorinatio
n

Chlorine is added to the water to kill of any surviving bacteria.

Fluoridatio
n

Fluorine is added to the water to improve the dental health of the population, as it
helps form enamel.

ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS
Aside from the isolated incident of bacterial outbreak, the purification process is effective at
maintaining water quality.
5.4. DESCRIBE THE DESIGN AND COMPOSITION OF MICROSCOPIC MEMBRANE FILTERS AND
EXPL AIN HOW THEY PURIFY CONTAMINATED WATER
DESCRIPTION OF MEMBRANE FILTERS
A membrane filter consists of a fine filtering system, comprised of synthetic polymers such as
polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene. They have pores around 0.2-0.5m in size, and are often
layered upon each other to provide hyperfine filtration.
EXPLANATION OF PURIFICATION PROCESS
Pressure is used to force contaminated water through the membrane filters, which then removes
bacteria and particles from the water, thereby producing clean water. This pressure can be supplied by
pumps, the force of gravity, or the formation of a vacuum as water passes quickly along the membrane
filter.
DIAGRAM

ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS
Advantages

Possess high levels of filtration

Can be reusable and cleaned
Can remove remaining bacteria and particles

Disadvantages

Maintenance is required frequently due to

clogging and constant flushing to maintain
performance
Frequent maintenance is extremely costly
Cannot remove dissolved solids