The very important topic "Analysis of Speciated Elements" is treated briefly in Chapter 7, unfortunately without relating search with many technological applications. However, although there are a large number of specialized, mainly physics-Trace Analysis: A Structured Ap-Chapter 3 overlaps to some extent with proach to Obtaining Reliable Results. Chapter 2, since sample preparation is Edited by E. Pritchard, G. MacKay again the topic. All the various digestion and U. Points. Royal Society of techniques are discussed in great detail. Chemistry, London, 1996. XIV, 404 Unfortunately, the following chapters pp., hardcover E 69.50.-ISBN 0provide only a superficial treatment of the 85404-41 7-5 subject. Chapter 4 deals with the determination of inorganic analytes, after the 7.3.1). Here, a great chance to discuss exciting developments in trace analysis is wasted.
Chapter 8 is intended to bridge the gap between organic and inorganic trace analysis (if indeed there is one). Spectrophotometry is introduced at a student level. Colorimetric procedures are certainly not Within its approximately 400 pages this sample has undergone the necessary state-of-the-art. Luminescence is treated book contains a lot of useful practical ad-preparation steps. The most popular tech-without introducing the advantages of vice. However, it is essential that the read-niques are presented in a very general time resolution. Electrochemical detecer should already have a certain amount way. Here some concrete examples would tion is briefly mentioned. of knowledge about the secrets of trace have been useful. Some modern tech-Chapter 8.3 treats a more modern subanalysis.
niques such as laser-excited spectroscopy ject, bioanalytical techniques. Enzymatic When I started to read this book for the or the very successful method of total re-reactions, immunoassays, and PCR techfirst time, I was struck by the abundance flection X-ray fluorescence analysis are niques as tools for trace analysis are dis- of information on what "trace analysis" not covered. In contrast, a separate sec-cussed, and some relatively recent literareally means. The editors have their tion (4.3) is entirely devoted to elemental ture is cited. power-play in the first three chapters. In mass spectrometry with all the known Chapter 9 ("From Signal Processing to Chapter 1 the author explains the require-variants. On the other hand, Section 4.4, Reporting") is completely unnecessary. ments for a valid and proper trace analy-on ion chromatography, is again at a triv-Here the reader is introduced to the forsis, including an outline of the possible ial level. The references given for this topic mula for the standard deviation . . . and necessary methodologies and their do not reflect the state of the art.
The strengths of this monograph lie in characteristics. Here I do not agree with Chapter 5 ("Organic Analytes: Sample the discussions of sample treatment and the classification of ICP-MS as a semi-Preparation") covers more or less all the possible artifacts, but there are serious quantitative technique for field screening important treatment techniques, but is weaknesses in the description of the sepa-(p. 27). Also the claim that the journals again not very up-to-date. Emerging ration and detection techniques. Modern Analytical Chemistvy and The Analyst are methods such as solid phase extraction times have touched this book only slightall that one needs as a direct route to use-techniques (SPME) or immunoaffinity ly. It's a pity. ful methodology and review articles in columns are not discussed. Here it be-Reinhard Niessner analytical chemistry is not justified. Other mothers (publishing houses) also have beautiful daughters (journals) . . .
Chapter 2 is probably the most useful one in the whole monograph. All the hints and comments are extremely valuable. Unfortunately the warning at the bottom of page 44 about the use of strong acids is incomplete! Possible artifacts include, for example, effects of filtration on the concentration of PAKs in water. Likely sources of contamination during sample pretreatment are also identified.