Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 11:30-1:30pm

Library Theatre

David Fleming, Department of Physics -Using X-rays to Probe for Arsenic Exposure

Arsenic is well known as an acute poison. However, the effects of arsenic resulting from chronic exposure (usually through drinking water) are much more widespread, and have reached a crisis level in Bangladesh. We have explored the use of portable x-ray fluorescence as an alternative approach with several advantages. The ability of the method to simultaneously assess for selenium in the body may be relevant for future efforts to combat the effects of arsenic exposure. In this presentation, methods developed in our group will be outlined and the results reviewed. Sabbatical work will be highlighted, including a trip to Bangladesh. Sabbatical research will also be presented from the Canadian Light Source, where synchrotron radiation was used to explore arsenic in tissue samples.

Laura Dillman Ripley
Media Relations Officer, Assistant Editor of the Record

Mount Allison University
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Sackville NB  E4L 1E4

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