Visiting researcher at MUL: Doreen Mirembe from Makerere University Kampala, Uganda

The Chair of General and Analytical Chemistry at Montanuniversität Leoben had the pleasure to host Doreen Mirembe, Master student in Chemistry at Makerere University Kampala, as a visiting researcher from 20^th of February to 12^th of May 2023. Doreen brought 11 wet and dry precipitate samples taken in Uganda. In addition, 44 leaf samples of 10 different tree species were brought from Uganda by Paul Töppmann (Petroleum Engineering), which were digested and analysed in the course of his Bachelor thesis following the measurement procedure which was developed and validated for 48 elements in the course of TecEUS [1].

Doreen’s stay at MUL consisted of training in ultratrace element analysis using inductively coupled plasma tandem-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS), involving the work in a clean lab, execution of cleaning procedures for plastic consumables and the application of microwave-assisted digestion. In addition, Doreen acquired skills in data treatment and the evaluation of multi-element datasets. For her Master thesis, the samples of wet and dry precipitates were analysed in separate portions of the water-soluble and -insoluble fraction. For the insoluble precipitate, a microwave-assisted digestion protocol was developed using different geological reference materials. First results were presented in a poster at the Young Analytical Scientist’s Forum 2023 held by the Chair of General and Analytical Chemistry. We were happy to have Doreen as a visitor at our chair and wish her all the best for her future studies and career!

1. Trimmel S, Meisel TC, Lancaster ST, Prohaska T, Irrgeher J. Determination of 48 elements in 7 plant CRMs by ICP-MS/MS with a focus on technology-critical elements. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2023.