Evaluating traditional and recent analytical methods according to speed, sensitivity, and cost-efficiency, this reference supports specialists in the selection of effective analytical techniques and equipment for the study of soils, soil contaminants, and environmental samples. Updated and revised, this Third Edition illustrates the advantages, limitations, range, and challenges of the major analytical approaches utilized in modern research laboratories. It includes new chapters and expanded discussions of the measurement of organic pollutants in the environment and gas fluxes between the land surface and atmosphere, and an extensive range of environmental materials.

Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) is an essential technique for the direct analysis of bulk solids, for elemental surface analysis and for the depth profiling of thin films and industrial coatings. The technique has shown rapid growth in numbers of instruments, in breadth of applications, in improved quantification in recent years and is now a recognised technique within the ISO, with two international standards. Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy: A Practical Guide takes the reader on a journey through instrument operation, sample preparation, analysis, and reporting results. It follows two sets of samples through the whole process of analysis, brass samples for bulk analysis, and zinc-coated steel for depth profiling. Procedures are consistent with recent ISO standards and each step is loaded with hands-on tips and theoretical insight. The book also includes unique data tables on spectral interferences, molecular bands, self-absorption and relative sputtering rates. This book is designed for those using or managing GDOES instruments and for students interested in learning the technique from a hands-on perspective. It is also an invaluable aid to those considering the purchase of a GDOES instrument, or those using GDOES results, to understand in detail how the technique works and what is involved in maintaining the instrument and achieving high quality results.

Flame Spectrometry in Environmental Chemical Analysis is a simple, user-friendly guide to safe flame spectrometric methods for environmental samples. It explains key processes involved in achieving accurate and reliable results in atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic fluorescence spectrometry and flame emission spectrometry, showing the inter-relationship of the three techniques, and their relative importance. Flame Spectrometry in Environmental Chemical Analysis presents the important information with thoroughness and clarity, and in a style that makes it valuable to students and researchers using these techniques. It also offers straightforward reading for environmentalists with interests in such areas as pollution research, agriculture, ecology, soil science, geology and forestry; informing researchers of exactly what they can expect to be able to determine by flame spectrometric methods. Newcomers to flame spectrometry will gain increased confidence, job skills and many handy tips and ideas from this book. It will impart a strong working knowledge that can be translated into sound data in the laboratory.