ACQUISITION OF A TRIPLE QUADRUPOLE LC/MS SYSTEM FOR ENABLING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRAINING IN SAFE WATER FOR FOOD PRODUCTION AT MSU

funds are requested for the acquisition of a triple quadrupole liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (lc/ms/ms) to strengthen hands-on education and analytical training in safe water for food production at montclair state university (msu). water is vital to agriculture. however, emerging contaminants (e.g. per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) present in irrigation water are challenging the safety of the u.s. food production. the project efforts aims to address the nationwide challenge in the u.s. agriculture. the instrument will allow for accurate identification and quantification of various emerging contaminants in irrigation water, thereby enabling new education and technical training in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (fanh) sciences at msu. specifically, the instrument and new teaching modules will be integrated into existing courses. the enhanced learning experience, together with well-designed activities in open house, will retain and attract more students to choose fanh related careers. meanwhile, the lc/ms/ms will serve as a major instrument to open more thesis/dissertation research opportunities in fanh sciences. the instrument will be also planned in summer research of high school students who mostly come from minority and economically disadvantaged families. msu is a hispanic-serving institution. therefore, this project will have a profound impact upon underrepresented groups. undoubtedly, this project is tightly aligned to the purpose of nlgca, i.e. to main and expand capacity to conduct education, research, and outreach/extension activities relating to the fanh sciences through the purchase of equipment. it also targets at a usda strategic goal -improved infrastructure, broadband access and connectivity, and support for workforce availability.