The understanding of the functions of trace elements in metabolism, whether associated with microorganisms, plants or animals, has advanced considerably during the last twenty years. There are two main aspects of the importance of trace elements in biological materials: first, their toxic effects and secondly, the essential nature of some of the elements for normal growth and health. Research in trace elements and their essential role in biological processes has advanced through several stages, necessitating more and more effective methods of determination. Despite the marked improvements in methods of trace analysis during these twenty years, the ever increasing need for higher sensitivity to meet new demands has meant the greater need, not only for improving the limits of detection, but also for new standard reference materials, better sampling, better sample handling and better design of trace and ultra-trace analysis laboratories. This book focusses on all areas of trace element determination with detailed discussion on all major methods of analysis. Additionally, the determination of concentrations of major toxic and essential trace elements is discussed at length.

Despite the development of innovative new analytical techniques for biological trace element research, today's trace element investigators face formidable obstacles to obtaining reliable data. This complete reference identifies and assesses the challenges the analyst encounters at each stage of an analysis, and discusses the effects of various techniques on the sample. Three internationally recognized scientists and authors consider the effects of the numerous collection, storage, and sample preparatory techniques used in sample analysis. Proper analytical quality control, including such critical factors as sampling and sample preparation, specimen preservation and storage, and ashing, is examined. The book also looks at sample preparation methods unique to various instruments and speciation chemistry issues, and examines the link between chemical analysis and specimen banking. A previously unrecognized source of error, presampling factors, is also discussed.

The best way to determine trace elements! This easy-to-use handbook guides the reader through the maze of all modern analytical operations. Each method is described by an expert in the field. The book highlights the advantages and disadvantages of individual techniques and enables pharmacologists, environmentalists, material scientists, and food industry to select a judicious procedure for their trace element analysis.

The Handbook of Reference Methods for Plant Analysis is an outstanding resource of plant analysis procedures, outlined in easy-to-follow steps and laboratory-ready for implementation. Plant laboratory preparation methods such as dry ashing and acid and microwave digestion are discussed in detail. Extraction techniques for analysis of readily soluble elements (petiole analysis) and quick test kits for field testing are also presented. This handbook consolidates proven, time tested methods in one convenient source. Plant scientists in production agriculture, forestry, horticulture, environmental sciences, and other related disciplines will find the Handbook a standard laboratory reference. The Handbook was written for the Soil and Plant Analysis Council, Inc., of which the editor is a board member. The council aims to promote uniform soil test and plant analysis methods, use, interpretation, and terminology; and to stimulate research on the calibration and use of soil testing and plant analysis. This reference will help readers reach these important goals in their own research.