It is only in the past few years that methods of adequate sensitivity have become available for true ultra-trace metal determinations in water. In the case of organics in seawater it has now become possible to resolve the complex mixtures of organics in seawater and achieve the required very low detection limits. Fortunately, the interest in micro-constituents in the seawater both from the environmental and the nutrient balance points of view has coincided with the availability of advanced instrumentation capable of meeting the analytical needs.
This complete and up-to-date compilation of the currently employed proven methods for the chemical analysis of seawaters includes 45 tables and 48 figures. The author presents the methods in a logical manner so that the reader can readily learn how to perform them and understand the types of instrumentation available. It helps the practitioner to implement these methods successfully into his laboratory and to apply them quickly and reliably. In addition, the detailed description of each method enables the analyst to set up new analytical methods meeting the needs for the detection of new analytes. The volume covers all aspects of the analysis of seawater using both classical and the most advanced recently introduced physical techniques. It is an invaluable source for the analysts, oceanographers, fisheries experts, politicians and decision maker engaged in seawater environmental protection.