Atomic spectrometry update : environmental analysis

This is the twenty-third annual review published in JAAS of the application of atomic spectrometry to the chemical analysis of environmental samples. This update refers to papers published approximately between September 2006 and August 2007. In the analysis of air, there has been an increased awareness of the need to collect and characterise ultrafines, i.e., particles below 100 nm in size, and such work is being facilitated by the development of real-time aerosol mass spectrometric techniques. In the analysis of plant and water matrices, elemental speciation protocols for elements such as As, Cr, Hg, Sb, Se and Sn continue to receive considerable attention, with particular interest being shown in the speciation of Se compounds in plant matrices. Laser ablation continues to go from strength to strength in being adopted as a solid sampling tool in geochemical analysis. Such work is being underpinned by increased knowledge of the ablation process and resultant transport and plasma effects coupled with developments in fs UV laser technology. This technique, in conjunction with multi-collector ICP-MS technology, is increasingly being used for the in situ determination of isotope ratios in geological samples. Feedback on this review is most welcome and the lead author can be contacted using the email address provided. Alternatively, readers are welcome to complete the on-line questionnaire at http://www.asureviews.org