Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
standard analytical methods should be consulted. This in turn depends on the analyte
concentration, available instruments, and many other factors. Method selections are
discussed in Chapter 5. This is followed by the common wet chemical analysis
(Chapter 6) and instrumental methods (Chapters 8-12). Chapter 7 is devoted to
sample preparation that is very critical to most of the complicated environmental
samples.
1.3.1 Uniqueness of Modern Environmental Analysis
Environmental analyses are very different from the traditional chemical analysis
entailed in analytical chemistry. Regardless, the majority of environmental
analytical work has been traditionally and currently, are still, performed by the
majority of analytical chemists. In the early days, this presented challenges to
analytical chemists largely due to the complex nature of environmental samples and
the analyses of trace concentrations of a wide variety of compounds in a very
complex matrix. As Dunnivant (2004) stated, ''my most vivid memory of my first
professional job is the sheer horror and ineptitude that I felt when I was asked to
analyze a hazardous waste sample for an analyte that had no standard protocol. Such
was a life in the early days of environmental monitoring, when chemists trained in
the isolated walls of a laboratory were thrown into the real world of sediment, soil,
and industrial waste samples.''
Today's analytical chemists, however, are better prepared for environmental
analyses because a wealth of information is available to help them to conduct
sampling and analysis. Nevertheless, professionals who are not specifically trained
in this area need to be aware of the uniqueness of modern environmental analysis
listed below (Fifield and Haines, 2000):
There are numerous environmental chemicals, and the costs for analysis are
high.
There are numerous samples that require instrument automation.
Sample matrices (water, air, soil, waste, living organisms) are complex, and
matrix interferences are variable and not always predictable.
Chemical concentrations are usually very low, requiring reliable instruments
able to detect contaminants at ppm, ppb, ppt, or even lower levels.
Some analyses have to be done on-site (field) on a continuous basis.
Analysts need not only the technical competency but also the knowledge of
regulations for regulatory compliance and enforcement purposes.
1.3.2 Classical and Modern Analytical
and Monitoring Techniques
Environmental analyses are achieved by various ''classical'' and ''modern'' techni-
ques. The difference between ''classical'' and ''modern'' analytical and monitoring
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