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Complexation Reactions in Aquatic Systems: Analytical Approach
Analyttca Chlmtca Acta, 225 (1989) 455-460 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam -
455 Printed in The Netherlands
Book Reviews J. Buffle, Complexation Reactions in Aquatic Systems: An Analytical Approach, Horwood, Chichester, 1988 (ISBN 0-85312-557-O). xxii + 692 pp. Price $69.50.
It is relatively easy to analyse an aqueous solution for the total concentration of a metal in it. It is much less easy to decide in what form the metal is present. It could be present as free aquo ions, or maybe polymerised aquo ions. The metal could be complexed to inorganic or organic ligands, or adsorbed onto suspended inorganic or organic particles. Where the environment is concerned it is important to determine the precise form of a suspected pollutant, and speciation analysis is consequently highly topical. This book contains a thorough account of speciation analysis in natural waters, both fresh and saline. The first part of the book gives a detailed treatment of the individual components of aquatic systems, and their reactivity. While metal ions are relatively simple, the composition of natural organic matter and the characteristics of aquatic organic matter are much more involved. Often natural organic matter cannot be separated into precise components and only groups of compounds, “homologues”, can be specified. The interactions between the components are covered in a long, detailed analysis of the interpretation of complexation equilibria between metals and both simple ligands and these “homologues” of complexing organic matter. The final half of the book is devoted to methods of experimentally measuring the concentrations of species present in natural systems. Potentiometric, voltammetric and other (e.g. spectroscopic) methods are discussed. This book does not attempt to give practical details of measurement techniques but does present a detailed account of the theory behind each method, and points out the pitfalls associated with them when they are used in natural waters. This impressive book will be of immense value to analytical chemists faced with problems of environmental analysis, and shows that answer to environmental problems are often far from straightforward. A valuable feature of the book is the inclusion of copious (there are some 1800) references to the literature, many to recent papers, which greatly assist further reading. While few chemists will read the book from cover to cover, I feel that most readers will feel much better informed after referring to it. J.R. Chipperfield
455 Printed in The Netherlands
Book Reviews J. Buffle, Complexation Reactions in Aquatic Systems: An Analytical Approach, Horwood, Chichester, 1988 (ISBN 0-85312-557-O). xxii + 692 pp. Price $69.50.
It is relatively easy to analyse an aqueous solution for the total concentration of a metal in it. It is much less easy to decide in what form the metal is present. It could be present as free aquo ions, or maybe polymerised aquo ions. The metal could be complexed to inorganic or organic ligands, or adsorbed onto suspended inorganic or organic particles. Where the environment is concerned it is important to determine the precise form of a suspected pollutant, and speciation analysis is consequently highly topical. This book contains a thorough account of speciation analysis in natural waters, both fresh and saline. The first part of the book gives a detailed treatment of the individual components of aquatic systems, and their reactivity. While metal ions are relatively simple, the composition of natural organic matter and the characteristics of aquatic organic matter are much more involved. Often natural organic matter cannot be separated into precise components and only groups of compounds, “homologues”, can be specified. The interactions between the components are covered in a long, detailed analysis of the interpretation of complexation equilibria between metals and both simple ligands and these “homologues” of complexing organic matter. The final half of the book is devoted to methods of experimentally measuring the concentrations of species present in natural systems. Potentiometric, voltammetric and other (e.g. spectroscopic) methods are discussed. This book does not attempt to give practical details of measurement techniques but does present a detailed account of the theory behind each method, and points out the pitfalls associated with them when they are used in natural waters. This impressive book will be of immense value to analytical chemists faced with problems of environmental analysis, and shows that answer to environmental problems are often far from straightforward. A valuable feature of the book is the inclusion of copious (there are some 1800) references to the literature, many to recent papers, which greatly assist further reading. While few chemists will read the book from cover to cover, I feel that most readers will feel much better informed after referring to it. J.R. Chipperfield