ABSTRACT
Of the elements in the periodic table, more than two-thirds are metals. Metals in general can be analyzed by the following techniques: colorimetry and atomic absorption or atomic emission spectrophotometry. In addition, some metals may be determined by other methods, including ion-selective electrode, ion chromatography, electrophoresis, neutron activation analysis, redox titration, and gravimetry. Atomic absorption or emission spectrophotometry is the method of choice, because it is rapid, convenient, and gives the low detection levels required in the environmental analysis. Metals can be conveniently determined by emission spectroscopy using ion current profile (ICP). A great advantage of ICP emission spectroscopy as applied to environmental analysis is that several metals can be determined simultaneously by this method. Many metals at low concentrations can be determined by the chelation–extraction technique. The chapter further summarizes recommended analytical masses, elemental equations, interference effects, and internal standards.
