Chemistry is the study of matter, its composition, structure, properties, and reactions along with the energy changes associated with those reactions. Among the branches (or disciplines) within the field is that of analytical chemistry. Analytical Chemists determine the structure, composition, and nature of substances by examining and identifying their various elements or compounds. They perform qualitative (investigation and identification) and quantitative (determination of the presence of a given element or inorganic compound in a sample) analysis.
They use the science of sampling, defining, isolating, concentrating, and preserving samples, setting error limits, and validating results through calibration and standardization procedures. They develop analytical techniques and new ways to make measurements, interpreting data in proper context, and communicating their documented results.
Analytical Chemists analyze organic and inorganic compounds to determine their chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, and reactions, utilizing chromatography (a method of determining the identity and concentration of molecules within a mixture), and spectroscopy (studying matter by investigating light, sound, or particles that are emitted, absorbed, or scattered by the matter under investigation). They apply their knowledge of chemistry, instrumentation, and statistics to solve problems in almost all areas of chemistry.
They use computers and a wide variety of sophisticated laboratory instrumentation for modeling and simulation in their work. For those Analytical Chemists employed by the coal mining industry, they and their measurements are used to assure compliance with environmental and other regulations.
Chemical environmental analysis is involved in monitoring levels of toxic and hazardous substances (at the site of coal-mining operations, for example). The investigation typically consists of analyzing air, water, soil, and other samples using expensive, complex instrumentation in climate- controlled laboratories. This process is both costly and time-consuming, particularly as the analysis of large numbers of samples for the most minute quantities of toxic pollutants must follow strict accountability guidelines to maintain the integrity and homogeneity of the samples investigated, and to meet regulatory requirements.
One advance in the field of chemical environmental analysis is the ongoing development of immunochemical sensors to study and evaluate the release of pollutants into the environment. These sensors are designed to detect and accurately determine the level of specific pollutants, immediately applicable to the coal-mining industry. These sensors can be built into portable and highly automated instruments that can be used at hazardous waste sites, such as mine slag deposits.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings of chemists, generally, in May 2004 were US Dollars 56,060. The middle 50 percent earned between US Dollars 41,900 and US Dollars 76,080, and the lowest 10 percent earned about US Dollars 33,170. The highest 10 percent had incomes of more than US Dollars 98,010. Salaries also depended greatly upon the level of educational degrees that chemists had. The American Chemical Society (ACS) reported in 2004 that the median annual salary of its members with bachelor's degrees was US Dollars 62,000, whereas those with master's degrees earned a median salary of US Dollars 72,300, and for those with Ph.D. degrees the median salary was US Dollars 91,600.
Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Articleinput.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.
Note: This article was sent to us by: Victor Nicholson at 07132010
1. Relationships and trust consolidate businesses
All articles are property of their respective authors. Please read our Privacy Policy!
© 2009 ArticleInput.com.