Chemical Analysis of the Environment and Other Modern Techniques

With the rise in general awareness of the effects of trace chemicals in the environment on mans health, it has been realized that traditional methods of analysis are often inadequate. Reliable analyses are needed in the fractional parts-per- million range of contaminants in condensed phases, and of the order of micrograms per cubic meter in air. Trying to get meaningful answers regarding such minute amounts raises cogent problems in all stages of an analysis. It is most appropriate, therefore, that the 1971 Eastern Analytical Symposium should have four half-day sessions devoted to this general field. Two of these, entitled "Trace Metals in the Envi- ronment," were assembled by Dr. Kneip, one on "Pesticides in the Environment: Recently Discovered Analytical Problems," by Dr. Zweig, and one on "The Determination of Anions in Water," by Dr. Lambert. Together, these reports furnish a fairly complete picture of the present state of environmental anal- ysis. The remainder of this volume is devoted to pharmaceutical analysis, a diversified field in which nearly all analytical methods find a place. Partly because of this multiplicity of techniques, and partly due to the large number of samples which must be examined in connection with the manu- facture, biological testing, and clinical applica- tion of pharmaceutical preparations, this area is particularly appropriate for the introduction of automation. The objective, broadly, is to speed up multiple analyses without the sacrifice of accuracy.