PIXE has been used to determine the elemental content of air particulates collected from pollution sources and ambient air. These elemental data support studies of atmospheric chemistry, pollution source apportionment, visibility, and the presence of toxic elements. We are using PIXE for elemental analysis of lichens collected in national forests. Lichens are natural biomonitors of atmospheric pollution. The element content of hair from human mummies is being determined to study element patterns that may be related to health, nutrition, and ethnic origin of the subjects. Ion-beam methods may be used to determine the element content of very small samples such as cell fractions separated and purified by biochemical methods. Recent work also includes an interest in RBS for determining surface concentrations and depth profiles of elements in materials.

     Samples in many forms are included in our projects. Each presents an interesting challenge. Some are analyzed directly, like the air particulates. Some require physical preparation, others require chemical preparation. Our work involves the interesting challenge of selecting and perfecting proper sample preparation methods.

     This research effort is a collaboration between Lawrence Rees in the Physics Department and myself. In addition, much of our work is a further collaboration with research groups in chemistry, biochemistry, geology, botany, anthropology, and others. These associations add breadth, challenge, and excitement to the work.