Every year we run the Schools’ Analyst Competition challenge set by Northumbria University in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry.
15 Chemistry Students (5 teams of 3) were enthusiastic participants in the competition, assisting the Department of Housing to evaluate the suitability of an old industrial area for building new houses. In the early 20th century, the area used to be alive with companies manufacturing everything from clothing, to pottery, and electronics. By the 1990s, most of the companies had relocated elsewhere to more modern premises and this left behind a barren field.
The teams conducted a comprehensive chemical analysis of soil samples to assess environmental contamination. Through titration techniques, they quantified the presence of sodium thiosulphate, a compound that decomposes to release sulphur dioxide—a gas associated with air pollution and acid rain. Thin layer chromatography was employed to detect azo-dyes, synthetic colourants that were once considered safe in the 1980s but have since been banned from food products due to health concerns. Additionally, a series of chemical tests were performed to identify various metal salts in the soil, which could indicate industrial pollution and pose risks to both ecological and human health.
This was a challenging and tiring day for the teams as they had up to 6 hours to complete the tasks, analyse and then submit their results. The standard of entries from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College was exemplary, showcasing a high level of scientific understanding and teamwork. We are delighted to extend our congratulations to the winning team—Ella, Hannah, and Inga.
Chemistry teacher Janet Main commented “We are absolutely thrilled with the performance of all five of our chemistry teams. Their success is a testament to both their individual talents and the collaborative spirit that guided their investigations. Each team demonstrated impressive scientific skill, creativity, and dedication throughout the event. It was a genuine pleasure to coordinate the competition, and we extend heartfelt thanks to our fabulous lab technicians, whose unwavering support and expertise were instrumental in making the day a success.”
