Pollution Prevention in Chemical Laboratory Instruction

PACIFIC NW POLLUTION PREVENTION RESOURCE CENTER
POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH PROJECTS DATABASE

Project Name: Pollution Prevention in Chemical Laboratory Instruction

Date Last Updated: 9/98

Project Summary: The goal of this project was to reduce the amount of waste generated during university chemistry instruction. The university's two-trimester general chemistry laboratory course sequence was revised to reduce the amount and toxicity of chemical reagents used and hazardous wastes produced, and educate students on waste prevention concepts. Approximately 3,350 students take the course sequence each year. Annual laboratory waste generation has been reduced by 13,000 pounds per year, from 10,400 liters to 90 liters (a reduction of over 90%). This reduction saves the University approximately $35,000 per year.

Project Keywords: laboratory wastes, pollution prevention, hazardous waste, education, chemistry

Organization Performing Research: University of Minnesota, Department of Chemistry

Primary Research Contact:
Kent Mann
139 Smith Hall
207 Pleasant St. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 625-3563
mann@chemsun.chem.umn.edu
(or contact the funder listed below)

Date Research Started/Completed: 2/93 - 2/94

Publications Based on Research: none available

Approximate Project Budget: $45,796

Primary Project Funder: Minnesota Ofice of Environmental Assistance
Funder's Project ID: P291020

Funder Contact:
Cindy McComas
Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)
c/o Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
520 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
(612) 296-3417, Fax: (612) 215-0246
E-mail: mccom003@tc.umn.edu
Web: http://www.mntap.umn.edu/