Atomic Spectrometry Update—Environmental Analysis

Abstract

This annual review of developments in the use of analytical atomic spectrometry for the analysis of environmental samples differs from the four predecessors in the series in that it includes full discussion of the analysis of geological materials. Hitherto such materials have been considered elsewhere in the Atomic Spectrometry Updates. The strong similarities between many of the procedures used for the total elemental analysis of soils and rocks are such that considering these materials together seems a logical step for this and future Environmental Updates. This has necessarily made the review longer than in previous years, with the addition of an extra table. It also means that, as might be expected, ICP-MS, other MS techniques and X-ray spectrometry figure rather more prominantly than previously. The authors hope that readers interested in either soil or rock analysis will find the change useful. The review is based upon abstracts listed in full in JAAS issues published in 1989.