The analysis of materials containing several elements used to be a difficult problem for analytical chemists, so a well established sequence of wet chemical qualitative tests were performed to ensure each element was detected. Quantitative tests could then be carried out on the sample, according to the range of elements present. Most analytical chemists were very familiar with these techniques, having been taugth them from a very early stage in their education and careers. The analytical chemist can now call on a range of specialist instrumental techniques which can detect the presence of many elements, often simultaneously, and often quantitatively, providing rapid results on samples which, in the past, could take days. The drawback is that the instruments tend to be expensive, suited to particular sample types or matrices and complex in both setting up and in the interpretation of results. Furthermore the general analytical chemist may have access and familiarity with only one or two methods. Written by an international team of contributors, each experts in their particular fields, this book familiarizes analytical chemists with the range of elemental analysis techniquers, to enable them to specify the most appropriate test for any given sample. In addition, it contains important chapters on sample preparation and quality control, essential elements in obtaining accurate and reliable analytical results. As such, this book will be essential reading for all analytical chemists. The techniques of elemental analysis are important in many other disciplines, so the book will be of particular interest to those commissioning a wide range of analytical measurements, such as chemists, geologists, environmental scientists and biologists. The breadth and depth of coverage will also make the book very useful for advanced students.

Of related interest…Radiochemistry and Nuclear Methods of Analysis William D. Ehmann and Diane Vance Here is a concise review of the state of the art in radio chemistry and nuclear methods of analysis. It provides a thorough look at the fundamentals of radiochemistry as well as the specific applications of nuclear techniques to analytical chemistry. There is also considerable coverage of the current nuclear methods of analysis such as neutron activation PIXE, nuclear reaction analysis, Rutherford backscattering, isotope dilution, and more. This comprehensive reference would form an excellent basic text for upper-division undergraduate or graduate courses in this critical field. 1991 (0 471-60076-8) 552 pp. Analytical Raman Spectroscopy Edited by Jeanette G. Grasselli and Bernard J. Bulkin Analytical Raman Spectroscopy charts, through a series of contributed articles, the spectacular versatility of the method and its applications in semiconductor characterization, synthetic organic polymer analysis, organic and petrochemical analysis, heterogeneous catalysts, and biological studies. Chapters feature an outline structure which systematically details the critical aspects of each subject discussed. The book provides a unique look at the field’s fundamental operational techniques, instrumentation, and up-to-the-minute advances: components of modern Raman spectrometers; Raman spectroscopy of inorganic species in solution; quantitative analysis by Raman spectroscopy; and much more. 1991 (0 471-51955-3) 480 pp. Principles and Practice of Spectroscopic Calibration Howard Mark Clearly linking theory with applications, this unique guide to spectroscopic calibration advances an approach that is understandable, free of the usual uncertainties, and simple to execute. The book details the practical aspects of generating a calibration equation, as well as the basics of recognizing and dealing with different types of problems affecting calibration. Most of the procedures are applicable to such sophisticated and popular approaches as Principal Component Calibration (PCA), Partial Least Squares Calibration (PLS), and Fourier Transform Calibration. 1991 (0 471-54614-3) 208 pp.

Semiannual, with semiannual and annual indexes. References to all scientific and technical literature coming from DOE, its laboratories, energy centers, and contractors. Includes all works deriving from DOE, other related government-sponsored information, and foreign nonnuclear information. Arranged under 39 categories, e.g., Biomedical sciences, basic studies; Biomedical sciences, applied studies; Health and safety; and Fusion energy. Entry gives bibliographical information and abstract. Corporate, author, subject, report number indexes.