Edited by
R.F.M. Herber, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
M. Stoeppler, Institute of Applied Physical Chemistry, Jülich, Germany
Description
The major theme of this book is analytical approaches to trace metal and speciation analysis in biological specimens. The emphasis is
on the reliable determination of a number of toxicologically and environmentally important metals. It is essentially a handbook based
on the practical experience of each individual author. The scope ranges from sampling and sample preparation to the application of various
modern and well-documented methods, including quality assessment and control and statistical treatment of data. Practical advice on avoiding
sample contamination is included.
In the first part, the reader is offered an introduction into the basic principles and methods, starting
with sampling, sample storage and sample treatment, with the emphasis on sample decomposition. This is followed by a description of the
potential of atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry, voltammetry, neutron activation analysis, isotope dilution
analysis, and the possibilities for metal speciation in biological specimens. Quality control and all approaches to achieve reliable
data are treated in chapters about interlaboratory and intralaboratory surveys and reference methods, reference materials and statistics
and data evaluation.
The chapters of the second part provide detailed information on the analysis of thirteen trace metals in the most
important biological specimens. The following metals are treated in great detail: Aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead,
selenium, manganese, nickel, mercury, thallium, vanadium and zinc.
The book will serve as a valuable aid for practical analysis in
biomedical laboratories and for researchers involved with trace metal and species analysis in clinical, biochemical and environmental
research.
Included in series
Techniques and Instrumentation in Analytical Chemistry
