Professor Neil Ward PhD FRSC

Biography

Professor Neil I. Ward is an Emeritus Professor of Analytical Chemistry (since August 2019) with an interest in atomic spectroscopy (especially ICP-MS) for the total and speciation analysis of trace elements in a wide range of human, animal, food and environmental samples. He also has a main interest in work-based learning, especially UG placements in the chemical industry or research facilities, leading to enhanced personal and professional skill development.

Professor Ward is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

This was awarded in recognition of Prof Ward's significant contribution to the chemical sciences, most notably to the field of analytical and environmental chemistry. : It was announced by St James's Palace that the University of Surrey was awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in the Diamond Jubilee round for 2010-12. Prof Neil Ward from Chemistry is part of the team of researchers.

The award recognises in particular the University's 'in depth research expertise for improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation worldwide'. Representatives of the University will receive the award at Buckingham Palace on 24th February 2012.

The Vice-Chancellor commented: “The Queen's Anniversary Prize is the most prestigious honour open to a UK university. We're delighted to have won the prize again. It acknowledges that Surrey's research in crucial fields such as safe water and sanitation is second to none.”

Click here to read more.

His research interests centre on instrumental method development and quality control validation for analysing a wide range of sample types for total multi-element and metal speciation, cations/anions using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), neutron activation analysis (INAA) and hyphenated techniques (IC- or HPLC-ICP-MS). He is interested in elemental speciation: (1) using field-based solid phase extraction (SPE) devices and methods of elemental removal (especially As, Sb, V and U) from ground and surface waters; and (2) biomedical applications relating to health diagnosis and treatment, e.g. Se and Zn in blood serum and infertility cases.He has studied the involvement of trace and ultra-trace elements in human fluids and tissues for more than 35 years in relation to many human disorders, especially pre-conceptual problems, birth defects, infertility, hyperactivity and anti-social behaviour in children, and numerous metabolic and neurological diseases.The ICP-MS Facility he oversees (since 1990) has been involved in many international environmental incidents, including Chernobyl, Camelford, the Gloucester chemical fire (2000), the London Orbital (M25) motorway and the Newbury (A34) bypass. One of his main research areas has been the study of heavy metal pollution from motorways in many countries around the world since 1973; especially the long term effects of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pt in storm water drainage facilities and motorway corridor surface soils and plants. In recent years, the group has evaluated the chemical characterisation and dispersion of elements relating to volcanic eruptions in Chile and Argentina. His recently has evaluated the uptake and accumulation of U, Ge, As and other elements by plants with a view to establishing ideas that will lead to the biogeochemical evaluation of these elements in samples from various South American countries and New Zealand. He is also involved in a collaboration with Alto Americas in Buenos Aires, Argentina looking at the use of remote sensing to find uranium and REE deposits in Argentina. He is also interested in the role of trace elements in various animal studies including badgers, chickens, horses and dairy cows (Sri Lanka).

He sits on the editorial board of the 6 international journals on analytical/environmental or trace element medical research and is a member of Council for ISTERH (International Society For Trace Element Research in Humans).

In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Donald MacLaren Award by WACE for innovation, administration and international development of work integrated learning programmes. He was for 20 years the Senior Professional Training (or Industrial Work-based Learning/Cooperative Education) Tutor for Chemistry and since 1997 a University of Surrey representative of WACE (World Association for Cooperative CooP Education). In 2007 he became the Chairman of the Professional Training and Careers Committee (PTCC - until 2015) which oversees the delivery of the PTY placement programmes for more than 800 UG students. He is an enthusiastic supporter of personal development, especially incorporating skills and competency activities into all levels of undergraduate and postgraduate education. He has been actively involved in the development and administration of global student exchange programmes for work-based learning over the last 30 years and is involved in student CooP exchange programmes with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Japan and in the near future, South America.

Research interests

Below you can download a selection of posters detailing some of Prof. Ward's recent research projects. Poster TitlePoster 1 (12132.5KB)Field-Based Arsenic Speciation in Water Samples and the Relationship to Human HealthPoster 2 (1880.0KB)Arsenic Speciation Analysis of GeothermalWaters in New ZealandPoster 3 (901.0KB)The Measurement of Boron in the Environment and Human Hair in relation to Argentina, South AmericaPoster 4 (1708.2KB - Requires Adobe Reader)"Water for Life" ProjectPoster 5 (1663.02KB - Requires Adobe Reader)Arsenic Species in the Río Agrio, Neuquén Province,ArgentinaPoster 6 (1784.0KB)State General Laboratory of Cyprus and ICP-MS Facility Collaboration for Environmental Research, Learning and Teaching

• Analytical method development for trace element total and/or speciation analysis using field-based SPE devices and laboratory chromatography - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for bioinorganic, biomedical and environmental analysis;
• Trace element total and/or speciation analysis (especially, Se, I, B, As, Cu/Fe/Zn) of human tissues and fluids in relation to human health status, with specific interest in diabetes, infertility conditions, neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, bipolar, Alzheimer's);
• Heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pt, etc), cation/anions), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) mobilisation and accumulation in environmental media through contamination by motorway run-off stormwater and atmospheric dispersion onto surface soils and plants;
• Trace element status of children (ADHD, hyperactivity) and young adults (including antisocial behaviour and young offenders) with developmental problems in relation to their diet and environmental exposure;
• Heavy metal (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Pt, Sb, Sn, U, etc) and boron contamination of the environment through natural and anthropogenic (agrochemical, geochemical, mining, agricultural, transportational and industrial) activities, especially in South America (Argentina and Brazil), New Zealand, Greece and Cyprus: and bioremediation technologies for environmental clean-up using electro-deposition or solid phase/biological remediation (zeolites, iron oxide/iron hydroxide/carbon-based materials, plants, fungi);
• Quality control analysis, including inter-laboratory comparisons for evaluating new instruments, methods of sample preparation and for the validation of procedures relating to the detection of specific elements in varying types of samples;
• Co-operative Education, virtual Learning or e-learning personal and professional development planning (PPD), Chem-PT administrative and management website for Professional Training in Chemistry, VORCHEM Co. virtual learning site, Postgraduate Skills for the World of Work virtual learning course; industry-based learning in South America, Global Co-operative Student Exchange Programs.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed in Chemistry by Dr Alan Gray (in collaboration with Dr S. Houk) during the early 1980s. In 2010, a new Agilent 7700X instrument was installed in the ICP-MS Facility, the forth instrument in Chemistry, maintaining the longest history of academic research in this analytical field in the world. The new instrument has many exciting features, including a collision cell that enables many trace elements that are of clinical and environmental interest, namely Se, Cr, V, As, Cu, Zn and Mo to be determined at very low ultra-trace levels (µg/l), without concerns about polyatomic interferences. The enhanced sensitivity across the mass range (from boron to uranium) provides an excellent opportunity for researchers across the university and on an international level to undertake collaborative research projects in many fields, from materials, food quality, forensic, drug discovery, bioinorganic (chemical speciation), water/environmental and clinical/health diagnosis and treatment, etc. At present the new instrument is the focal point of supporting projects in Chemical Sciences relating to collaborators from Brazil, Argentina, Greece, Cyprus, Canada, Iraq, Singapore and Pakistan.

Some of Prof. Ward's research publications in this area are:(i) RAYMAN, M.P., ABOU-SHAKRA, F.R., WARD, N.I., 1996. Determination of Selenium in Blood Serum by Hydride Generation Inductively Couples Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 11(1), 61-68.(ii) DURRANT, S.F., WARD, N.I., 2005. Recent biological and environmental applications of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 20, 821-829.(iii) WATTS , M.J., WARD, N.I., “Enzymatic Pre-digestion of Human Breast Milk and Infant Formula for Total Iodine and Speciation Analysis by Ion Chromatography-Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometry (IC-ICP-MS).” 2nd Int. Conf. on Trace Element Speciation in Biomedical, Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, GSF, Munich, Germany . (7-10th May, 2001).(iv) WARD, N.I., ADAIR, J., ABOU-SHAKRA, F.R., “Selenium Speciation Analysis of Human Seminal Plasma Following Selenium Supplementation.” 3rd International Conference on Trace Element Speciation in Biomedical, Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, GSF - National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Munich-Neuherberg, Germany . (May 10-13, 2004).(v) GOUBATCHEV, A., ZETTEL, V.H., WARD, N.I., “Cadmium Speciation of Motorway Drainage Stormwaters and Sediments by IC and ICP-MS: Impact on Cd Leaching and Mobilisation After Thawing Salt Application.” 3rd International Conference on Trace Element Speciation in Biomedical, Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, GSF - National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute for Ecological Chemistry, Munich-Neuherberg, Germany . (May 10-13, 2004).(vi) KAMALAKKANNAN, R., ZETTEL, V., GOUBATCHEV, A., STEAD-DEXTER, K., WARD, N.I., 2004. Chemical (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals) levels in contaminated stormwater and sediments from a motorway dry detention pond drainage system. J. Environ. Monitor. 6(3), 175-181.(vii) DURRANT, S.F., WARD, N.I., 2005. Recent biological and environmental applications of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 20, 821-829.(viii) WATTS, M.J., O'REILLY, J., MARCILLA, A.L., SHAW, R.A., WARD, N.I., 2010. Field based speciation of arsenic in UK and Argentinean water samples. Environ. Geochem. Health. 32(6), 479-90.A major feature of the ICP-MS Facility is the training of young analytical chemists who are introduced to the 'real world' of ICP-MS. This involves being able to understand all the major components of the instrument, including modifications to the hardware so as to be fit for the purpose of the specific analysis being undertaken, instrument maintenance and software/data manipulation and interpretation.Special Analytical Features: Field based SPE Arsenic Speciation AnalysisIn 2006, a collaborative research study was started to apply a new field-based solid phase extraction (SPE) methodology for the separation and quantification of arsenic (total and the 4 main species - As3+, As5+, MA and DMA) in ground waters from various regions of central/Andes Argentina. Moreover, data was obtained for physiochemical parameters (pH, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature) and arsenic (total and speciation) in filtered and unfiltered groundwater samples from San Juan, La Pampa, Rio Negro and Neuquén provinces. The unique features of this study, when compared with previous research in the field of arsenic speciation analysis of ground water, relate to the SPE methodology used. Field-based separation and preservation of the As species at the time of sample collection in Argentina eliminates any concerns arising from the conventional determination of arsenic species in ground water (O'Reilly et al., 2010; Watts et al., 2010).Sample collection, preservation, transport and storage stages, before arsenic species separation and detection using HPLC-ICP-MS (or other hyphenated techniques), are still fraught with potential problems. Moreover, many studies use mathematical calculations or pre-analysis chemical modifications to estimate the arsenic species levels in ground waters. For example, in two major studies reporting As speciation data of groundwater in Argentina: (1) “at the time of collection samples for As3+ analysis were acidified to pH 4 (HCl) and subsequently to 2% v/v (HCl) for total As. As3+ analysis (in the United Kingdom) was completed as soon as possible, that is within 2 weeks of collection in Argentina”; (2) “analyses for As3+ were carried out using samples filtered through Disposable Cartridges® and acidified with 14M HNO3. The concentrations of As5+ were later determined by calculating the differences between total As and As3+ in the samples. Since the samples were acidified with 14M HNO3, the possible ICP-MS interferences of the atomic masses of ArCl and As were eliminated”. Interestingly, no validation data was reported for these methods. The field based SPE methodology for arsenic speciation in the 2006-9 study utilises two solid phase extraction cartridges, namely, a Varian 500 mg Junior Bond Elut® strong cation exchange (SCX) and strong anion exchange (SAX). All samples (typically 30 cm3) were filtered with a 0.45 μm filter before separation. Validation of the SPE field-based arsenic speciation method was undertaken using HPLC-ICP-MS (Watts et al. 2010), to confirm the presence of the individual arsenic species in their respective fractions. Filtered and acidified (F/A) water samples for total arsenic analysis and fractionated water samples from the SPE field-speciation method were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, Agilent 7500 Series, Agilent Technologies, UK). Arsenic detection was performed in collision cell mode using 4 l /min He to minimise polyatomic interferences at m/z 75 such as 40Ar35Cl+. The limit of detection (LOD) for arsenic by ICP-MS for each of the 4 arsenic species by HPLC-ICP-MS was reported as As3+: 0.14 μg/l, DMA: 0.15 μg/l, MA: 0.12 μg/l and As5+: 0.10 μg/l.This methodology confirmed that for the first time arsenic speciation analysis of ground water could be undertaken with a high level of confidence because errors from conventional sample collection and laboratory analysis technologies were reduced or eliminated (Watts et al., 2010). Moreover, with the detection of arsenic using ICP-MS at a detection limit of 0.1 µg/l, 100 times below the WHO recommended drinking limit of 10 µg/l As, it was possible to obtain accurate data on arsenic (total and species) for a variety of different ground waters in Argentina (O'Reilly et al., 2010).

Quality Control Assessment of Analytical Procedures Used for Determining Trace and Ultra Trace Element Levels

The ICP-MS Facility regularly evaluates all analytical activities by measuring reference materials, and is involved in inter-laboratory and inter-analytical method comparisons for trace element measurements. Recent studies have explored the development of "in-house" reference samples to evaluate the accuracy and precision of sample preparation and calibration procedures when investigating complex biological materials, such as, human nails, tear drops, foodstuffs, mineral supplements and tea and/or yerba mate.Some of Prof. Ward's research publications in this area are:(i) WARD, N.I., ENTWISTLE, A., ZETTEL, V.H., 2003. Human nails for assessing trace elements. The Nutrition Practitioner, 4(2), 41-2.(ii) WARD, N.I. 2004 Trace Element Composition and Bioavailability of Human Breast Milk and Infant Formula. The Nutrition Practitioner, 5(1), 11-3.(iii) DURRANT, S.F., WARD, N.I., 2005. Recent biological and environmental applications of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 20, 821-829.(iv) WATTS, M.J., O'REILLY, J., MARCILLA, A.L., SHAW, R.A., WARD, N.I., 2010. Field based speciation of arsenic in UK and Argentinean water samples. Environ. Geochem. Health. 32(6), 479-90.(v) WATTS, M.J., O'REILLY, J., MARCILLA, A., COLEMAN, A., ANDER, E.L., WARD, N.I., 2010. A snapshot of environmental iodine and selenium in La Pampa and San Juan provinces of Argentina. J. Geochem. Exploration 107, 87-93.

Chemical Contamination of Motorway Environments

Prof. Ward and numerous UG and PG students of the ICP-MS facility have been undertaking extensive studies on evaluating the multi-element and chemical speciation forms of surface waters, sediments, soils, and animal tissues and fluids in order to assess the degree of contamination of motorway environments, especially the London Orbital M25 and the Newbury Bypass (A34) in the UK; Thessaloniki (Greece); Nicosia-Larnaca - Ayia Napa (Cyprus); Sao Paulo (Brazil); Buenos Aires and General Roca/Neuquen (Argentina). In the last 10 years he has developed analytical methods for the detection of platinum in roadside dust samples, and then used these methods to quantify the levels of platinum and other metals in dust samples taken from alongside the M25 motorway.Using sequential extraction methods and HPLC-ICP-MS Prof. Ward has been measuring the changes in metal species in motorway run-off as it is transported through natural watercourses. This has focused on evaluating the mobilisation of heavy metals, anions and cations from salt application and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in storm water drainage pond sediments. Prof. Ward has also investigated the use of solid phase materials (zeolites, iron oxide/hydroxide and carbon-based) for the in-situ remediation of run-off waters before discharge into detention ponds or agricultural land.Some of Prof. Ward's research publications in this area are:(i) HARES, R.J., WARD, N.I., 1999. Comparison of the Heavy Metal Content of Motorway Stormwater Following Discharge into Wet Biofiltration and Dry Detention Ponds Along the London Orbital (M25) Motorway. The Science of the Total Environment, 235, 169-178.(ii) STEAD-DEXTER, K., WARD, N.I., 2004. Mobility of heavy metals within freshwater sediments affected by motorway stormwater. Sci. Tot. Environ. 334, 271-277.(iii) WARD, N.I., DUDDING, L.M., 2004. Platinum in motorway (M25 London Orbital) dust samples. Sci. Tot. Environ. 334, 457-463.(iv) PITCHER, S. K., SLADE R.C.T., WARD, N.I., 2004. Heavy metal removal from motorway stormwater using ion exchange materials. Sci. Tot. Environ. 334,161-166.(v) HARES, R.J., WARD, N.I., 2004. Sediment accumulation in newly constructed vegetative treatment facilities along a new major road. Sci. Tot. Environ. 334, 473-479.(vi) KAMALAKKANNAN, R., ZETTEL, V., GOUBATCHEV, A., STEAD-DEXTER, K., WARD, N.I., 2004. Chemical (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals) levels in contaminated stormwater and sediments from a motorway dry detention pond drainage system. J. Environ. Monitor. 6(3), 175-181.(vii) EWAN, C., ANAGNOSTOPOULOU, M.A., WARD, N.I., 2009. Monitoring of heavy metal levels in roadside dusts of Thessaloniki, Greece in relation to motor vehicle traffic density and flow. Environ. Monit. Assess. 157, 483-98.

Chemical Factors in Human Health and Disease

The role and interaction of trace elements in relation to human health and disease is important as a possible means of diagnosis and evaluation of the nutritional, chemical and biochemical factors relating to disease. Our research focuses on assessing various biomonitors (blood serum, CSF, breast milk, hair, nails, placental tissue, seminal fluid, tear drops), methods of sample collection, preparation, and validation, and establishing databases of elemental data in relation to normal and numerous social or disease-related individuals (stillbirths, spina bifida, pre-eclampsia, cystic fibrosis, hyperactivity, allergy, criminal behaviour, diabetes, bipolar, obesity, etc).Special areas of research involve the detection of trace element imbalances in relation to hyperactivity disorders in children, especially in relation to food colours, antibiotic history and dietary or environmental factors.Some of Prof. Ward's research publications in this area are:(i) WARD, N.I., 1997. Assessment of Chemical Factors in Relation to Child Hyperactivity. Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, 7, 333-342.(ii) WARD, N.I., 2001. Hyperactivity and a Previous History of Antibiotic Usage. The Nutrition Practitioner, 3.3, 12-3.(iii) WARD, N. I., HAMMOND , N., MARCILLA, A., DURRANT, S.F., “Elemental Status of Individuals from Rio Negro, Argentina : Use of Scalp Hair as a Biomarker of Environmental and Dietary Sources”. 8th Rio Symposium on Atomic Spectrometry, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . (August 1-6, 2004).

Boron and Arsenic Speciation in a Semi-Arid Region of Argentina - Water Quality and Impact on Human Health

In April 2006, Prof. Ward co-organised an international conference on Boron. The 1-day conference was held at INTA.E.E.A., San Juan, Argentina and had more than 120 delegates.The province of San Juan, Argentina has a desert-continental climate with very little rainfall. The main agricultural activity is the wine industry with grape production being of fundamental importance to the local economy. The Andes mountain range provides, via a series of river systems, the major source of water to support this agricultural activity. In particular, the Rio San Juan and Rio Jachal are very important sources and as such the water quality is vital to support the grape, and other food crop, production of the province. The region of Jachal has a major network of rivers and dams providing the water supply for the area. The water contains higher than normal levels of various elements (boron, arsenic) and electrolytes (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, etc) and as such has brought about a scientific need to research the quality of the regional water supplies and the potential impact on agriculture and human health.Throughout 2005-10 the ICP-MS Facility has started undertaking a major environmental impact assessment of boron and the other chemicals in this region. In collaboration with scientists from INTA, INA, local universities and commercial companies a 'Boron Network' has been established to undertake future research studies on the impact of boron on water quality, agricultural production (especially wine) and human health.In 2006, a major research programme was started in relation to field based arsenic speciation analysis of waters in Argentina in collaboration with Dr Michael Watts of British Geological Survey (and subsequently in Greece, New Zealand, Cyprus and Iraq).Arsenic Speciation Data for Groundwater in ArgentinaIn summary, the 2006-9 study focused on the arsenic speciation analysis of ground waters from two agricultural towns in La Pampa, the rural community of Encon (San Juan) and an agricultural community in Rio Negro. In all cases the water samples were obtained directly from wells. Total arsenic levels in La Pampa (central Argentina within the Chaco-Pampean Plain) ranged from 3 - 1326 μg /l As. The highest total arsenic levels were found in well waters (from both rural farms and pre-treated urban sources), particularly with high pH (typically > 8.2), conductivity (> 2600 μS/cm) and TDS (> 1400 ppm). La Pampa ground waters displayed As3+ and As5+ levels of 100 - 466 μg/l and 1.5 - 132 μg/l, respectively. Monomethylarsonic acid was detectable in some ground waters (up to 79 μg/l MA). Very low levels of dimethyl arsinic acid ranged from < 0.15 - 1.4 μg/l DMA.Encon (southern San Juan) is predominantly set upon Quaternary continental deposits. The geological composition of the sampling area would suggest similar arsenic levels to those found in La Pampa. The well water pH conditions ranged from 9.3 - 9.7; conductivity levels of 972 - 1603 μS/cm and TDS, 526 - 1346 ppm. The total As levels were 21 - 353 μg /l As. Encon well waters contained a significantly higher percentage of As3+: community drinking water 86% As3+ (mean 323 μg/l) and 7 % As5+ (mean 27 μg/l); rural farm livestock watering/ irrigation 99 % As3+ (mean 57 μg/l), with the remaining 1 % made up of the three other species. Previous studies on the levels of arsenic in waters in La Pampa have mainly reported As5+ as the main species. This finding was deduced from the subtraction of As3+ from the total arsenic level. This subtraction method does not account for organoarsenic species and may provide false positive concentrations for As5+. The use of SPE cartridges that have the ability to separate and retain the individual aqueous arsenic species (inorganic and organic) in the field provides a much more reliable method for their detection in environment samples.

Chemical Evaluation of the Rio Negro and Rio Colorado, Patagonia, ArgentinaDuring 2005-8, two major chemical research investigations were made of the water quality of the Rio Negro and Rio Colorado systems in northern Patagonia, Argentina. A detailed programme of water and sediment sampling resulted in the production of two Rio Negro newspaper supplements: Río Colorado http://www1.rionegro.com.ar/diario/nuestraagua/2009/03/31/

Río Negro http://www1.rionegro.com.ar/diario/nuestraagua/2007/01/07/Some of Prof. Ward's research publications in this area are:(i) WARD, N.I., “Boron in the Environment and Human Health”. Boron Conference, INTA.E.A.A. San Juan, Argentina (April 6th, 2006).(ii) HILL, S., WARD, N.I., “Boron Analysis”. Boron Conference, INTA.E.A.A. San Juan, Argentina (April 6th, 2006).(iii) WARD, N.I., HILL, S., MARCILLA, A.L., ALLENDE, D., “Boron in Jachal - Preliminary Studies”. Boron Conference, INTA.E.A.A. San Juan, Argentina (April 6th, 2006).(iv) WATTS, M.J., O'REILLY, J., MARCILLA, A.L., SHAW, R.A., WARD, N.I., 2010. Field based speciation of arsenic in UK and Argentinean water samples. Environ. Geochem. Health. 32(6), 479-90.(v) O'REILLY, J., WATTS, M.J., SHAW, R.A., MARCILLA, A.L., WARD, N.I., 2010, Arsenic contamination of natural waters in San Juan and La Pampa, Argentina. Environ. Geochem. Health. 32(6), 491-515.(vi) WATTS, M.J., O'REILLY, J., MARCILLA, A., COLEMAN, A., ANDER, E.L., WARD, N.I., 2010. A snapshot of environmental iodine and selenium in La Pampa and San Juan provinces of Argentina. J. Geochem. Exploration 107, 87-93.

Prof. Ward has been very interested in the development of cooperative education in Argentina, and has presented two papers on work-related learning in South America at WACE conferences.He is at present on the editorial board of WIL journals and an editorial contributor to the International Handbook on Cooperative Education. Since 1997 Prof. Ward has been a University of Surrey representative on WACE (World Association for Cooperative Education) and was, until January 2015, the Chairman of the Professional Training and Careers Committee (PTCC).

Professional Training or Cooperative Education Publications

• WARD, N.I., JEFFERIES, A. 2004. 'The Analytical Club': A unique cooperative education link between industry and academia. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 5(1) 15-18.
• WARD, N.I., LASLETT, R.L. 2004. International Cooperative Education Student Exchange Program: Lessons from the Chemistry Experience. Asia- Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 5(1) 18-21.
• WARD, N.I., FROST, R., YONGE, L. 2004. International Co-operative Education: The European experience for students in Chemistry. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 5(1) 27-34.
• WARD, N.I., HAMMOND, N., MARCILLA, A., BRION, V., MUJICA, M.G., 2004. Community-based Research Projects: A New Educational Link Experience for Academia and Industry in Rio Negro, Argentina. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 5(1) 50-59.