Element speciation in bioinorganic chemistry /

The concept of element speciation has appeared in the literature for more than 30 years and this treatise brings together important aspects of the subject. The several chemical forms (compounds, ions, oxidation states) that an element can have in various samples such as in natural waters or in marine organisms, is referred to as metal speciation. Knowledge of speciation is important because the toxicity, availability, accumulation, and degradability of the element depends on the chemical species present in the sample. The book is divided into two sections: fundamental and instrumental aspects of speciation; and applications of specific elements to public health and ecological issues. Following the introductory chapter by the editor, there are four chapters on methods of analysis; one on quality control; and seven treating metal speciation in biological environments, foodstuffs, marine organisms, and natural waters. Techniques used are gas and liquid chromatography, atomic spectrometry, voltammetric methods, neutron activation analysis, and liquid chromatography combined with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Some elements covered in the applications are aluminum, silicon, tin, chromium, selenium, and arsenic. Chapters are written by internationally known leading authorities. A unique work, sure to be the standard for some time. Recommended for upper-division undergraduate and graduate environmental chemistry students, as well as faculty and professionals. W. H. Hohman Marietta College