UConn HomeBanner
DEPARTMENT PEOPLE GRADUATE STUDIES UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES RESEARCH CONTACT US
  

James D. Stuart

 

 

Analytical Chemistry

Emeritus Professor (b. 1941)
Visiting Fellow, Yale University, 1983
Visiting Lecturer, University of Georgia, 1976
Instructor, Lafayette College, 1967-1969
Ph.D., Lehigh University, 1969
B.S., Lafayette College, 1963

Phone: 860-486-3068
Email : james.stuart@uconn.edu

 

My primary research interests involve the use of the modern forms of gas and liquid chromatography to obtain interesting and worthwhile analytical separations. The research is both fundamental and applied in nature. It employs, either high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), capillary column gas chromatography (GC) and/as chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to analyze for organic compounds in a variety of matrices. Computer-based expert chromatographic systems for method development in GC and reversed-phase LC separations are used. For the key sample preparation step, such methods as solid-phase extraction (SPE) and micro solid-phase extraction (SPME) are used. On the applied side, research has involved developing the separation of organic chemicals, up to the size of proteins, in such matrices as body fluids, environmental samples, foods and flavors, various petroleum products and in pharmaceutical preparations. Recent work has been directed to the analysis of various amino acids and methyl benzoic acids, phthalate and adipate esters, various aromatic and oxygenate compounds in petroleum fuels. In collaboration with a groundwater hydrogeologist, interdisciplinary research has focused on developing meaningful field methods for evaluating the effect of leaking underground gasoline tanks (gasoline stations). A rapid, static headspace method depends of Henry's Law to describe the equilibrium of analyte(s) between the liquid (or solid) and headspace phase is used. Recent interest has centered on the analysis of the oxygenate methyl-t-butyl-ether (MTBE) in unleaded gasoline and groundwater as MTBE has been shown to be early indicator of subsurface gasoline contamination. Reversed-phase HPLC is used in the analysis of a family of methyl-substituted benzoic acids in attempt to show that they represent a stable and reliable indicator of sub-surface, intrinsic, natural bioremediation of the gasoline occurring in the subsurface. contaminated sites.

 

 

      
        TEXT-ONLY Department of Chemistry
55 North Eagleville Road
Phone (860) 486-2012, FAX (860) 486-2981
Email: chemdept@uconn.edu