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Introduction to inductively coupled plasma atomic spectroscopy (analytical spectroscopy library series, vol. 3), by G.L. Moore
VIII
trends in analytical chemistry, vol. 9, no. I, 1990
Microwave sample preparation
discusses the safety guidelines for microwave systems in the laboratory and covers areas such as the leakage of microwave energy from the units, and safety devices for the ovens. Overall, this book gives sufficient theory to understand the technique followed by plenty of practical guidance aimed for the scientist who will be operating the technique. Given the choice between a classical digestion lasting hours versus one lasting minutes using microwave energy, there is little choice given the limited capital cost involved. This book is essential for analysts working in this area.
Introduction to Microwave Sample Preparation. Theory andPractice, edited by H.M. Kingston and LB. Jassie, AC’S Professional Reference Book, American Chemical Society, 1988 US$ 59.95, USA. and Canada US$49.95 (xi + 288 pages), ISBN O-8412-145&6 One of the most common operations in
an analytical laboratory is sample dissolution, this is necessary as most analytical techniques require a sample to be liquid. There are fewer problems with liquid matrices such as water, beer, wine and semi-liquids such as plasma, as with little pretreatment they can be assayed relatively easily. However, solid samples are more problematical and sample dissolution becomes a major task: it is tedious, labour-intensive and, with perchloric acid digestion, potentially explosive. This book describes a novel approach to solve sample dissolution problems by the use of microwave energy. It consists of eleven chapters that are broadly divided into two areas. The first (one third of the book), covers the theoretical concepts, equipment design, safety aspects and the means monitoring and predicting the parameters used in microwave digestion. The second (two thirds of the book) covers practical applications to the technique. The chapter on theoretical concepts and equipment design gives a very good understanding of the technique and how heating occurs. Success of microwave sample preparation is due to getting energy directly to the sample compared with conductive heating where energy has to pass through a poor conductor of heat before reaching the sample. This approach avoids the lag time in heating the container as well as the sample. Design of equipment is dealt with well, including the warning that modification of appliance grade microwave ovens requires engineering skill and a knowledge of the properties of microwaves, otherwise serious safety hazards may occur. The accessories used for digestion are described as well. There are many figures and photographs throughout the text to explain points
more easily, although this can lead to duplication in at least one instance (Figs. 2.13 and 3.2), given the nature of the knowledge to be imparted this is acceptable. The second portion of the book covers the use of microwave energy for the digestion of geological, metallurgical, biological, botanical and food samples for a variety of elemental determinations by either AAS or classical chemical methods. To this end it is very practically oriented, well documented and illustrated, thus, it is very easy to pick up the essentials of any technique from this book. Ike chapters discuss the remote operation of the technique in highly radioactive environments and the comparison of manual and robotic microwave dissolution of minerals. The final chapter
R.D. McDOWALL Dr R.D. McDowall is at the Analytical and Clinical Pharmacokinetic Services Department, Wellcome Research Laboratories, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3BS, U.K.
lnductivelv coupled Plasma atomic emission spectroscbpy ’ ’ Introduction to Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Spectroscopy (Analytical Spectroscopy Library Series, Vol. 3), by G.L. Moore, Elsevie 1989, Dfl. 190.00, US$ 92.75 (xi + 340 pages) ISBN -43029-6
This book has been written as a text book for undergraduates and postgraduate students, as well as those people new to the field of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The first three chapters of the 19chapter book are general and consider the history of atomic emission, comparing the alternative excitation sources available for the technique. The theoretical aspects of inductively coupled plasmas and the instrumental requirement for ICPAES are then considered in Chapters 4to7. The next seven chapters are unusual for a text book because they are approached from a practical point of view. In Chapters 8 to 10 the general analytical approach is discussed and methods of sample preparation and in-
troduction are considered. Chapters 11 to 14 cover factors such as accuracy and precision, internal standards, optimisation and interferences. In the final chapter hybrid ICP techniques and future trends are considered. The text is clearly and concisely written, with simple diagrams and 11 photographs. Numerous references are provided at the end of each chapter for further reading, The book concentrates on the information needed to carry out analysis by ICP-AES rather than theory, explaining in detail delinitions such as limits of detection and statistical approaches. A notable omission from the book is a chapter on applications; however, they are mentioned in the general text. This book would be especially useful to someone who was new to ICP analysis and wished to avoid the pitfalls awaiting them. G.M. GREENWAY Dr G.M. Greenway is a lecturer in Analytical Chemistry, The University, Hull HU6 7RX, UK.
trends in analytical chemistry, vol. 9, no. I, 1990
Microwave sample preparation
discusses the safety guidelines for microwave systems in the laboratory and covers areas such as the leakage of microwave energy from the units, and safety devices for the ovens. Overall, this book gives sufficient theory to understand the technique followed by plenty of practical guidance aimed for the scientist who will be operating the technique. Given the choice between a classical digestion lasting hours versus one lasting minutes using microwave energy, there is little choice given the limited capital cost involved. This book is essential for analysts working in this area.
Introduction to Microwave Sample Preparation. Theory andPractice, edited by H.M. Kingston and LB. Jassie, AC’S Professional Reference Book, American Chemical Society, 1988 US$ 59.95, USA. and Canada US$49.95 (xi + 288 pages), ISBN O-8412-145&6 One of the most common operations in
an analytical laboratory is sample dissolution, this is necessary as most analytical techniques require a sample to be liquid. There are fewer problems with liquid matrices such as water, beer, wine and semi-liquids such as plasma, as with little pretreatment they can be assayed relatively easily. However, solid samples are more problematical and sample dissolution becomes a major task: it is tedious, labour-intensive and, with perchloric acid digestion, potentially explosive. This book describes a novel approach to solve sample dissolution problems by the use of microwave energy. It consists of eleven chapters that are broadly divided into two areas. The first (one third of the book), covers the theoretical concepts, equipment design, safety aspects and the means monitoring and predicting the parameters used in microwave digestion. The second (two thirds of the book) covers practical applications to the technique. The chapter on theoretical concepts and equipment design gives a very good understanding of the technique and how heating occurs. Success of microwave sample preparation is due to getting energy directly to the sample compared with conductive heating where energy has to pass through a poor conductor of heat before reaching the sample. This approach avoids the lag time in heating the container as well as the sample. Design of equipment is dealt with well, including the warning that modification of appliance grade microwave ovens requires engineering skill and a knowledge of the properties of microwaves, otherwise serious safety hazards may occur. The accessories used for digestion are described as well. There are many figures and photographs throughout the text to explain points
more easily, although this can lead to duplication in at least one instance (Figs. 2.13 and 3.2), given the nature of the knowledge to be imparted this is acceptable. The second portion of the book covers the use of microwave energy for the digestion of geological, metallurgical, biological, botanical and food samples for a variety of elemental determinations by either AAS or classical chemical methods. To this end it is very practically oriented, well documented and illustrated, thus, it is very easy to pick up the essentials of any technique from this book. Ike chapters discuss the remote operation of the technique in highly radioactive environments and the comparison of manual and robotic microwave dissolution of minerals. The final chapter
R.D. McDOWALL Dr R.D. McDowall is at the Analytical and Clinical Pharmacokinetic Services Department, Wellcome Research Laboratories, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3BS, U.K.
lnductivelv coupled Plasma atomic emission spectroscbpy ’ ’ Introduction to Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Spectroscopy (Analytical Spectroscopy Library Series, Vol. 3), by G.L. Moore, Elsevie 1989, Dfl. 190.00, US$ 92.75 (xi + 340 pages) ISBN -43029-6
This book has been written as a text book for undergraduates and postgraduate students, as well as those people new to the field of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The first three chapters of the 19chapter book are general and consider the history of atomic emission, comparing the alternative excitation sources available for the technique. The theoretical aspects of inductively coupled plasmas and the instrumental requirement for ICPAES are then considered in Chapters 4to7. The next seven chapters are unusual for a text book because they are approached from a practical point of view. In Chapters 8 to 10 the general analytical approach is discussed and methods of sample preparation and in-
troduction are considered. Chapters 11 to 14 cover factors such as accuracy and precision, internal standards, optimisation and interferences. In the final chapter hybrid ICP techniques and future trends are considered. The text is clearly and concisely written, with simple diagrams and 11 photographs. Numerous references are provided at the end of each chapter for further reading, The book concentrates on the information needed to carry out analysis by ICP-AES rather than theory, explaining in detail delinitions such as limits of detection and statistical approaches. A notable omission from the book is a chapter on applications; however, they are mentioned in the general text. This book would be especially useful to someone who was new to ICP analysis and wished to avoid the pitfalls awaiting them. G.M. GREENWAY Dr G.M. Greenway is a lecturer in Analytical Chemistry, The University, Hull HU6 7RX, UK.