The accomplishments this week have been significant. The staff have substantially increased their LFT construction skills and are much improved over the initial attempts. Fortunately, they came into this with some familiarity and practice and good attention to detail. Staff constructed all the LFT required for the deployment and we are using aldrin as the PRC. Both Cheikh and Makhfousse agreed that aldrin should not be present at Pont Gendarme. The locally built cages should work perfectly.
Hama paid a visit and was updated on the project's progress. The necessary supplies, notably helium, but also hexanes, nitrogen and glassware, are on site. The staff were easy to work with despite my inability to grasp French, and appear enthusiastic about the project. They put in considerable time (and patience) this week and this is not the only project they are working on. Their efforts are appreciated.
In summary: The lab is prepared and we are well positioned to complete the remaining work as scheduled.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Continued field preparations
I know you are waiting for this: The helium arrived today. We will start Wednesday the 26th with lab PSD extractions and GC analysis thereof.
Field preparations continue, this time with paperwork and equipment. The benchsheets are modeled off OSU's with project specific modifications. Cheikh is preparing the necessary personnel paperwork and organizing the equipment (rope, cages, etc.). I recommended building an equipment checklist for future trips, but we will determine what exactly might be needed outside the usual after this one.
Pont Gendarme, the field site, is ~200 km away and will take 4 - 5 hours to get there. Once we arrive on Monday we will choose the specific sites, then head to Saint Louis for the night. In the morning, we will deploy the PSDs and head back to Locustox. Since each site will get four cages, everyone should have ample opportunity to load and deploy PSDs.
Field preparations continue, this time with paperwork and equipment. The benchsheets are modeled off OSU's with project specific modifications. Cheikh is preparing the necessary personnel paperwork and organizing the equipment (rope, cages, etc.). I recommended building an equipment checklist for future trips, but we will determine what exactly might be needed outside the usual after this one.
Pont Gendarme, the field site, is ~200 km away and will take 4 - 5 hours to get there. Once we arrive on Monday we will choose the specific sites, then head to Saint Louis for the night. In the morning, we will deploy the PSDs and head back to Locustox. Since each site will get four cages, everyone should have ample opportunity to load and deploy PSDs.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Field preparations
Still no helium.
An email to the heat sealer company asking about repair or local service resulted in a referral to a southern California distributor.
Met Hama Garba today and we discussed the training progress.
Preparation for the field deployment continues with construction of the field LFTs. The lab staff are increasing the quality and consistency of the PSDs as well as the pace of production. They currently make 20 spiked PSDs per hour; the deployment requires 45. The spiking solution is 100uL of 1 ppm aldrin in ethyl acetate. This concentration should be easily detected even with significant loss in the field or poor extractions, high background, etc. All the PSD are completed for the deployment, we only need a few more cages.
Some good fortune: A chemical distributor cold called today and Cheikh tells me they have plenty of hexanes. Initially, there was some question as to whether hexanes would be readily available so this helps.
I've included a couple of photos of the LFT construction for the field. Note the location of the preparation blank on the frame. This serves two purposes: it keeps the blank near the production location but out of the way, and ensures that all the LFT are the same length.
Preparing PSD for field deployment.
Front to back: Emmanuel, Adama, Cheikh
Spiking the PSD with a PRC.
Marie
An email to the heat sealer company asking about repair or local service resulted in a referral to a southern California distributor.
Met Hama Garba today and we discussed the training progress.
Preparation for the field deployment continues with construction of the field LFTs. The lab staff are increasing the quality and consistency of the PSDs as well as the pace of production. They currently make 20 spiked PSDs per hour; the deployment requires 45. The spiking solution is 100uL of 1 ppm aldrin in ethyl acetate. This concentration should be easily detected even with significant loss in the field or poor extractions, high background, etc. All the PSD are completed for the deployment, we only need a few more cages.
Some good fortune: A chemical distributor cold called today and Cheikh tells me they have plenty of hexanes. Initially, there was some question as to whether hexanes would be readily available so this helps.
I've included a couple of photos of the LFT construction for the field. Note the location of the preparation blank on the frame. This serves two purposes: it keeps the blank near the production location but out of the way, and ensures that all the LFT are the same length.
Preparing PSD for field deployment.Front to back: Emmanuel, Adama, Cheikh
Spiking the PSD with a PRC.Marie
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
LFT progress and PRC selection
Adama, Emmanuel, Marie and Anna continue to practice LFT construction now focusing on proper spiking technique and removal of air prior to the final heat seal. It is clear that they have practiced previously as they are using techniques that were shown to Cheikh and Makhfousse during their visit. They all seem very comfortable with the process and are working to increase their pace. I noted some small details to look for to ensure high quality construction.
Cheikh and I were discussing the performance reference compound to be used in the Pont Gendarme deployment. We are leaning toward Aldrin as it is unlikely to be found in the area (or already degraded/metabolized to dieldrin) and has a similar Kow to the other OCs (5.1 - 7.4). Also, it is easily identifiable on the OSU method.
Concerning the blog, as suggested by Paul, I've added a way to easily track training progress. The sidebar indicates desired tasks to be completed. I will make a note as we accomplish them.
Locustox LFT frame
Cheikh and I were discussing the performance reference compound to be used in the Pont Gendarme deployment. We are leaning toward Aldrin as it is unlikely to be found in the area (or already degraded/metabolized to dieldrin) and has a similar Kow to the other OCs (5.1 - 7.4). Also, it is easily identifiable on the OSU method.
Concerning the blog, as suggested by Paul, I've added a way to easily track training progress. The sidebar indicates desired tasks to be completed. I will make a note as we accomplish them.
Locustox LFT frame
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Test communication from OSU
Thank you Greg. The summary of activities and details of plans that you provide are extremely helpful. This is a test message to confirm that I will be able to respond to technical questions as required. I will also try to add comments to test the system. Best wishes to you and everyone at LOCUSTOX. Paul
LFT construction practice and cages
Makhfousse, Cheikh and I reviewed the blog and how it is intended to serve the training.
Cheikh attached a nitrogen generator to the Techne Dri-block DB-3 sample concentrator. The unit is operational and will be used as an acceptable equivalent to the TurboVap LV in SOP 406.00.
The staff (Adama, Emmanuel, Marie, and Anna) began practice on building LFT with special attention to the heat seals. They practiced for several hours on old LFT. On Wednesday they will practice proper spiking technique.
I inspected several cages that were built for the field deployment. I was told that 7 were at Locustox and the others being constructed at the contracted shop. They are excellent duplications and should work well for deployment. Photos below. The third one down from the top is the OSU purchased cage.
The cages were locally built for 15,000 Fcfa or 30 USD per cage.
The TEW impulse heat sealer is not working properly. The timer is broke and the operator has to practice and be careful to create a good seal. Fortunately the staff have each practiced enough to make it work. The heat sealer that OSU shipped is 110V not 220V. Locustox is using a locally purchased step-down transformer to make it work. I am not sure if this affected the timer.
Helium should be delivered on Wednesday the 19th.
Cheikh and I are choosing a PRC for the spiking solution for Pont Gendarme deployments next week.
Senegalese cages compared to U.S. cage. The U.S. cage is the third from the top.
LFT construction practice.
Front to back: Marie, Adama, Anna
Cheikh attached a nitrogen generator to the Techne Dri-block DB-3 sample concentrator. The unit is operational and will be used as an acceptable equivalent to the TurboVap LV in SOP 406.00.
The staff (Adama, Emmanuel, Marie, and Anna) began practice on building LFT with special attention to the heat seals. They practiced for several hours on old LFT. On Wednesday they will practice proper spiking technique.
I inspected several cages that were built for the field deployment. I was told that 7 were at Locustox and the others being constructed at the contracted shop. They are excellent duplications and should work well for deployment. Photos below. The third one down from the top is the OSU purchased cage.
The cages were locally built for 15,000 Fcfa or 30 USD per cage.
The TEW impulse heat sealer is not working properly. The timer is broke and the operator has to practice and be careful to create a good seal. Fortunately the staff have each practiced enough to make it work. The heat sealer that OSU shipped is 110V not 220V. Locustox is using a locally purchased step-down transformer to make it work. I am not sure if this affected the timer.
Helium should be delivered on Wednesday the 19th.
Cheikh and I are choosing a PRC for the spiking solution for Pont Gendarme deployments next week.
Senegalese cages compared to U.S. cage. The U.S. cage is the third from the top. 
LFT construction practice.Monday, September 17, 2007
Introductions and equipment review
Introductions to the all CERES/Locustox personnel. Afterwards, an in-depth meeting with the relevant Locustox lab staff (those participating directly in the PSD work) took place and covered Locustox and OSU expectations and detailed objectives for the training. In attendance: Cheikh Toure, Makhfousse Sarr, Auditrice Ndaiye, Adama Ndaiye, Marie Ndao, Ndeye Sokhna Fall Ndao, Anna Ndiaye, and Emmanuel Senghor. We discussed training evaluations of both myself and the Locustox staff as well as the training schedule. The lab staff will continue to work on other projects through PSD training; however, all staff will be attending field sampling.
Some concern was expressed about the method requiring significant blow down and handling of resulting quantities (<1 mL). There is interest in obtaining a TurboVap LV. As is, the blowdown will be attempted with a nitrogen/syringe setup. I believe the TurboVap would be a great advantage, but the method is possible with the existing equipment considering the training requires so few samples. If high throughput is expected for future work a TurboVap LV would be required.
There was a problem with the lab A/C unit and refrigerant leaked. The odor prevented the lab from being occupied for several hours.
The training schedule was adapted to account for arrival on Thursday the 20th of a Chemservice OC pesticide sample and helium for the GC-ECD. In the meantime, extra LFT will be sacrificed to develop PSD production skills.
Some concern was expressed about the method requiring significant blow down and handling of resulting quantities (<1 mL). There is interest in obtaining a TurboVap LV. As is, the blowdown will be attempted with a nitrogen/syringe setup. I believe the TurboVap would be a great advantage, but the method is possible with the existing equipment considering the training requires so few samples. If high throughput is expected for future work a TurboVap LV would be required.
There was a problem with the lab A/C unit and refrigerant leaked. The odor prevented the lab from being occupied for several hours.
The training schedule was adapted to account for arrival on Thursday the 20th of a Chemservice OC pesticide sample and helium for the GC-ECD. In the meantime, extra LFT will be sacrificed to develop PSD production skills.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Meeting with Locustox
I met with Cheikh Toure and Makhfousse Sarr at about 3:30 pm. We discussed expectations briefly, # of personnel on the field trips, some GC issues, and miscellaneous details concerning my housing, office space, etc. Point by point:
1. As planned, Monday the 17th will be a day of meeting staff, going over the lab and required equipment and settling in.
2. Cheikh asked if Chemstation files could be viewed on the OSU computers. I mentioned concern’s that the GC computer’s Chemstation is old, but my laptop Chemstation might work. If it does, we might be able to install the latest Chemstation we have on a computer in the lab that’s not hooked up to an instrument. As needed.
3. Makhfousse told me all the lab staff (whose CVs we received) will be participating in the field trips. This is good news: The more people that do it, and the more often, the better.
4. Miscellaneous details were discussed concerning my cell phone access, housing, lab space and after hours access.
The current hotel accommodations are fine, but I’ll be picked up by a driver at 8 am to head to Locustox and then continue my stay in a private apartment closer to the lab.
1. As planned, Monday the 17th will be a day of meeting staff, going over the lab and required equipment and settling in.
2. Cheikh asked if Chemstation files could be viewed on the OSU computers. I mentioned concern’s that the GC computer’s Chemstation is old, but my laptop Chemstation might work. If it does, we might be able to install the latest Chemstation we have on a computer in the lab that’s not hooked up to an instrument. As needed.
3. Makhfousse told me all the lab staff (whose CVs we received) will be participating in the field trips. This is good news: The more people that do it, and the more often, the better.
4. Miscellaneous details were discussed concerning my cell phone access, housing, lab space and after hours access.
The current hotel accommodations are fine, but I’ll be picked up by a driver at 8 am to head to Locustox and then continue my stay in a private apartment closer to the lab.
Purpose of Visit
While other goals may be attempted, the main purpose of this visit is to complete Specific Goal 3:
Analysis of PSD in field conditions. Deployment will be done at Pont Gendarme, one of the villages of the GEF project PDF-B. In this location two cages will be deployed at each of the sampling places: the main irrigated canal (at the pumping station), the main drainage canal (at the draining station) and at the wetland where waste water is drained. The deployment of PSD which is a part of the training will be done with CERES/Locustox staff. One set will be analyzed at CERES/Locustox and the other will be sent to OSU. All the necessary consumable and material will purchased by FAO to avoid any delay on delivery time which could affect the analytical process.
Analysis of PSD in field conditions. Deployment will be done at Pont Gendarme, one of the villages of the GEF project PDF-B. In this location two cages will be deployed at each of the sampling places: the main irrigated canal (at the pumping station), the main drainage canal (at the draining station) and at the wetland where waste water is drained. The deployment of PSD which is a part of the training will be done with CERES/Locustox staff. One set will be analyzed at CERES/Locustox and the other will be sent to OSU. All the necessary consumable and material will purchased by FAO to avoid any delay on delivery time which could affect the analytical process.