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K. Oikawa, Trace analysis of atmospheric samples
187
K. Oikawa, Trace A&alysis of Atmospheric Samples, Kodansha, Tokyo Halstead Press (J. Wiley), New York, 1977, price $28.60, s16.90.
and
Contrary to the indications given by the title, this work is not concerned with the whole range of trace analysis of atmospheric samples, but only with the analysis of suspended particulate matter, especially for metals. The introduction implies that gaseous pollutants are of secondary importance. The book is divided into four chapters, the fust of which deals, in less than 3 pages, with the physical and chemical properties, including the sources, of suspended particulates. Chapter 2 considers sampling, an extremely important aspect of atmospheric analysis. The various components of sampling equipment are discussed in reasonable detail, but certain aspects are dismissed too briefly. Sampling sites, for example, are described in seven lines, with no mention of how to carry out an airquality survey. In relation to low-volume samplers, the orientation of the sampling head and the particle size range collecti by such systems are not mentioned. Dust-fall sampling is also described and the British Standard Deposit gauge is mentioned, but without reference to the Standard itself. However, the author particularly mentions the disadvantages of glass bowls, and may not have read the Standard, which clearly describes plastic bowls. Once again, surveys and collection efficiencies in relation to particle size are not described. Chapter 3 covers many aspects of sample pretreatment, while analytical methods for metals themselves are described in Chapter 4. On the whole, the book offers a useful collection of information on the sampling and analysis of suspcndcd particulate matter, but must be used with care by those not familiar with the field. Errors are numerous, some factual and many seemingly arising from translation from the original text. The absence of details on surveys means that the book is not as useful as it might otherwise have been to those investigating air pollution, without specialized knowledge. Better and more comprehcnsivc texts on this topic are available and are likely to be of more use to those concerned with air quality from a practical aspect. R. S. Barratt
C. E. Roland Jones and Carl A. Cramers (Eds.), Analytical Pyrolysis, Amsterdam, 1977, x + 424 pp., price Dfl. 96.00, U.S. $39.25.
Elsevier,
This book presents the texts of the papers presented at the Third International Symposium on Analytical Pyrolysis, held in Amsterdam in September 1976. The texts of 34 papers are presented, together with an Appendix which, “for reasons beyond the Editors’ control”, gives only the authors’ abstract.s of a further 15 papers which were read at the Symposium. The
K. Oikawa, Trace A&alysis of Atmospheric Samples, Kodansha, Tokyo Halstead Press (J. Wiley), New York, 1977, price $28.60, s16.90.
and
Contrary to the indications given by the title, this work is not concerned with the whole range of trace analysis of atmospheric samples, but only with the analysis of suspended particulate matter, especially for metals. The introduction implies that gaseous pollutants are of secondary importance. The book is divided into four chapters, the fust of which deals, in less than 3 pages, with the physical and chemical properties, including the sources, of suspended particulates. Chapter 2 considers sampling, an extremely important aspect of atmospheric analysis. The various components of sampling equipment are discussed in reasonable detail, but certain aspects are dismissed too briefly. Sampling sites, for example, are described in seven lines, with no mention of how to carry out an airquality survey. In relation to low-volume samplers, the orientation of the sampling head and the particle size range collecti by such systems are not mentioned. Dust-fall sampling is also described and the British Standard Deposit gauge is mentioned, but without reference to the Standard itself. However, the author particularly mentions the disadvantages of glass bowls, and may not have read the Standard, which clearly describes plastic bowls. Once again, surveys and collection efficiencies in relation to particle size are not described. Chapter 3 covers many aspects of sample pretreatment, while analytical methods for metals themselves are described in Chapter 4. On the whole, the book offers a useful collection of information on the sampling and analysis of suspcndcd particulate matter, but must be used with care by those not familiar with the field. Errors are numerous, some factual and many seemingly arising from translation from the original text. The absence of details on surveys means that the book is not as useful as it might otherwise have been to those investigating air pollution, without specialized knowledge. Better and more comprehcnsivc texts on this topic are available and are likely to be of more use to those concerned with air quality from a practical aspect. R. S. Barratt
C. E. Roland Jones and Carl A. Cramers (Eds.), Analytical Pyrolysis, Amsterdam, 1977, x + 424 pp., price Dfl. 96.00, U.S. $39.25.
Elsevier,
This book presents the texts of the papers presented at the Third International Symposium on Analytical Pyrolysis, held in Amsterdam in September 1976. The texts of 34 papers are presented, together with an Appendix which, “for reasons beyond the Editors’ control”, gives only the authors’ abstract.s of a further 15 papers which were read at the Symposium. The