The Department of Physical Sciences Enhances Analytical Capabilities with New Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

The Department of Physical Sciences is proud to announce a significant upgrade to its laboratory facilities with the acquisition of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The analytical instrument will enhance both research and teaching capabilities across a range of scientific disciplines, reinforcing the department’s commitment to excellence in science and technology.

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry is a technique used for the quantitative determination of metal elements  such as lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, and iron even in complex matrices like water, soil, food, or biological materials.

The newly acquired AAS system will serve as a cornerstone instrument for research in areas such as:

• Environmental monitoring (e.g., heavy metal contamination in water and soil)
• Food safety and nutritional analysis
• Geochemical and industrial material analysis

In addition to research, the AAS will be fully integrated into undergraduate and postgraduate laboratory courses, providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard instrumentation. This real-world training will equip graduates with valuable analytical skills that are in high demand across academic, regulatory, and industrial sectors.

This acquisition marks an important milestone for our department. The new AAS not only strengthens our research infrastructure but also ensures that our students are trained on advanced tools used in professional scientific laboratories around the world.

The purchase was made possible through the Machakos University equipment budgetary allocation reflecting the university’s ongoing investment in scientific innovation and infrastructure.