Published: 26 Oct 2016 Source: University Relations Office (URO)
The Central Laboratory of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has held a workshop on the theme “Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy” (AAS). The three-day workshop which ran from 18th to 20th October, 2016, is part of the “Building Stronger Universities II” (BSU II) project, and aims at improving quality research that impacts positively on society.
In his address, Professor Ray Bright Voegborlo, the key course instructor and an analytical chemist, stated that the AAS was a very simple and reliable technique used to detect the presence and concentration of metals in various samples. He added that the spectrometer, the equipment used in the technique, was first built in 1954 and commonly used in areas such as the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, water analysis, the petroleum industry and forensics. He said that the technique had helped to monitor environmental pollution, thus facilitating quality research and ensuring a healthy society.
Professor Voegborlo further indicated that the workshop covered both the theoretical and practical aspects of the technique. He added, however, that the workshop was not just about knowing how to use the instrument as it comes in different models. He rather explained that participants would rather be equipped with guidelines so as to know what to look out for when operating the various models of the AAS instrument.
Dr. Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye, the workshop facilitator and Assistant Manager of the Central Lab, was excited about the workshop and advised participants to involve their respective fields of specialization in the discussion in order for the workshop to meet their expectations.
Miss Nadia Tagoe, Assistant Registrar at the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), indicated that the OGR was always happy to work with the Central Lab as there were many areas that researchers needed support in order to improve the quality and quantity of research. She believed that such collaboration would expand the scope of research in all fields of study. She welcomed all the participants and hoped that they enjoyed the sessions.
Participants of the workshop were mainly lecturers, lab managers and technicians affiliated to KNUST.