Trace element analysis has a key role to play in quality control of food and diet. This timely book introduces the subject in a practical way - from sampling and the techniques available for trace analysis, to procedures for specific elements and data analysis. Beginning with a brief introduction and discussion of statistical evaluation of data, the subsequent chapter looks at trace analysis in general, with its essentials and terminology. Another section introduces sampling and preparation of foodstuffs such as wheat, potato, vegetables and milk. This is followed by descriptions of the various spectrometric techniques (atomic absorption, atomic emission, atomic fluorescence) that are available. Plasma techniques for both optical emission and mass spectrometry are presented, as are nuclear activation analysis and X-ray methods. A comparison of the various analytical techniques is provided, and a separate chapter handles speciation analysis. Finally, procedures for determining essential and toxic elements such as arsenic, iron, selenium and zinc are suggested, using several recent references. Detailed explanations and a simple format will appeal to laboratory technicians and graduate students, as well as more experienced researchers. Comprehensive coverage, coupled with illustrations and a guide to relevant literature and manufacturers, will make Trace Element Analysis of Food and Diet a valuable source of information for anyone working on analysis of trace elements in food, diet or other biological or environmental samples - particularly food engineers, agricultural scientists and government testing agency employees.

Trace Analysis is a highly practical book which deals with the science rather than the paperwork of quality assurance systems. Produced as part of the UK Valid Analytical Measurement (VAM) initiative, it provides the analyst with a systematic approach across the broad spectrum of trace analysis, offering practical advice and guidance on methodology and techniques. The book is structured to take the analyst step-by-step through the stages of any trace analysis. The approach is general, being broken down only into types of analyte. Additional chapters explain the application of groups of techniques to each analyte type. Each section contains references to published material which will allow the analyst to obtain further information on specific topics. Throughout the book, the analyst is reminded of pitfalls which lead to unreliable results. This new book therefore offers invaluable advice to analysts in all areas and at all levels, providing practical 'expert' advice on methodology. It will prove indispensable as a single, comprehensive bench guide for analysts in university, college and industrial laboratories.