Date of Award

Spring 1997

Document Type

Legacy Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Marine Science

College

College of Science

First Advisor

Glen Dunham

Abstract/Description

Water quality is becoming increasingly important as we realize the effects that humans have not only on individual systems but on entire ecosystems. Through careful monitoring of the types and concentrations of pollutants, we can more effectively focus our clean up efforts. One concept that is becoming more and more popular is the use of piezoelectric crystals in tracing organic water pollution; the basic idea being that when coated with a polymer film the piezoelectric device is able to oscillate with a frequency proportional to the concentration of pollutant. At the Hanford site in Richland, WA, much effort is being devoted to the development of a portable device that will lend ease to water sampling by testing for toxins at the sampling site. Preliminary results using polymers such as polyepichlorhydrin (PECH) appear favorable in the testing of such chloromethanes as carbon tetrachloride, trichloromethane, and dichloromethane.

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