Research Interests:
My research explores the abiotic fate of agrochemicals in the aquatic environment.   I am currently interested specifically in the photochemical fate of herbicides identified by the USGS as emerging agrochemicals.   We have examined the photochemistry of imazethapyr, an imidazolinone herbicide in aqueous solution as a function of pH, NOM (natural organic matter) concentration, and wavelength of light.   We have also examined the photochemisry of imazethapyr when it is sorbed to plant (corn or soybean) waxes. We are currently funded by the National Science Foundation to extend this work to the entire family of imidazolinone herbicides (see "Research" tab). We are also still working on the the photochemistry of compounds such as nicosulfuron, a sulfonylurea herbicide, and flumetsulam.  

This work involves a variety of analytical techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and ion chromatography.   In addition, time is spent on developing data analysis and kinetic modeling skills. Our group of undergraduate students has presented their work at national, regional, and local meetings and has written a peer-reviewed journal article on the photochemsity of imazethapyr (Link to ACS Article).   
 
National Science Foundation Grant #1213236
Link to NSF Supported Work

Group Members
Professor:
Amanda Nienow

Current Students:
Alexa Peterson
Amy Christiansen

Former Students:
Riley Lass, QA/QC Intern, Jack Link's Beef Jerky
Megan Crow, Research Associate, Hennepin County Medical Center
Maja Johnson, Postbaccalaurete Researcher, Mayo Clinic
Derrick Berndt, Nursing Assistant, Regions Hospital
Anna (Bauer) John, Teacher, Bloomington Kennedy High School
Drew Corbett, University of Minnesota, Materials Science Department
Spencer Bonnerup, St. George's University, Medical School
Annie Opseth, University of South Carolina, Marine Sciences Department
Alison Dittmer, University of Minnesota, Medical School
Jonathan Kasprisin, U.S. Army Officer
Megan Olson, Creighton University, Dental School
Ryan Espy, Purdue University, Department of Chemistry
Tyler Wakefield, Syngenta,Omaha, NE
Jonna Berry, University of Iowa, Department of Chemistry
Kendra Kesty, Wake Forest University, Medical School
Mallory (Richards) Schmidt, M.S. U of MN; Teacher, St. Paul Academy
Amanda (Staker) Houk,University of Kansas, Department of Chemistry
Matthew Chroust, University of California - SF, Dental School
Emily Pelton, University of Minnesota, Department of Chemistry