SOAR Member Profiles

Meleia Wolvington

• SOAR Position: Member
• Major: Biochemistry
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Ngee Sing Chong

Current Focus: Analysis of chemical leachate from Middle Point landfill

Project Description

My project focuses on using analytical techniques combines with gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS) to analyze samples and identify chemical contaminants leaching from Middle Point Landfill. We collect soil and water samples in small sample cups and air samples in a 6-liter canisters. Soil and water samples are prepared with solid phase extraction (SPE) tubes before analysis with GC-MS is performed. Compounds are tentatively identified and listed on excel. We order the chemicals identified on the list so that we can confirm their identification and quantify them. Standards of the tentatively identified compounds were prepared in six different parts per million (ppm) concentrations and analyzed with GC-MS under the same conditions as the samples and then compared to the tentatively identified compounds. A calibration curve created by plotting the peak areas of the standards against their respective concentrations. The calibration was referenced against the peak areas and retention times of the tentatively identified compounds in sample to confirm identification as well as concentration in sample.

Why does this topic interest you?

This topic is interesting to me because it uses similar analytical techniques that we learn in class, and I enjoy applying the class lessons to real world scenarios. I also think that this topic is very important because it affects our own community. Middle Point Landfill has had a few cases against it for chemical leaching in the past, so i think its important to make sure it is not happening severally. I think that knowing what is leaching out of the landfill is very important in regards to the health and safety of the people who live next to it.

What are your professional aspirations?

My professional aspirations are to work in a research lab. After I graduate with my bachelor's degree, I plan to peruse a master's in chemistry and potentially a PhD so that I can work in some kind of chemistry lab.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

My advise to future researchers is to find a interesting topic to you, get involved in lab, and to find a good mentor. Building connections is really important, and can affect how far in that research topic you go.

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