The instrumental method for detecting total organic carbon (TOC) in water samples is detailed. The method's limitations are discussed and certain precautions that must be taken are emphasized. The subject of TOC versus COD and BOD is investigated and TOC is determined to be a valid indication of biological demand. (BT)

This discussion gives a general picture of the instrumentation available or being developed for measuring the four major categories of water pollutants: metals, nutrients, pesticides and oxygen demand. The instruments are classified as follows: manually operated laboratory analyzers, automated laboratory instrumentation, manual field monitors, and…

Described is an experiment to investigate the plasticizer content in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products. The experiment is designed for college students using an instrumental analysis laboratory. (RH)

Presents two lists: (1) important considerations for any total chemical analysis and (2) a condensed version that can be used by students to evaluate each analytical procedure. Benefits of using the condensed version (such as seeing that instrumentation is only one of several components of an analysis) are noted. (JN)

Software-driven instrumentation makes measurements that demand a computer as an integral part of either control, data acquisition, or data reduction. The structure of such instrumentation, hardware requirements, and software requirements are discussed. Examples of software-driven instrumentation (such as wavelength-modulated continuum source…

Examines trends in methods for deriving chemical information from a variety of systems and environments, focusing on improvements in sensitivity, specificity, speed and simplicity, and in sampling. Indicates that the increasing importance of analytical instrumentation requires reexamination of its coverage in educational curricula. (JN)

A variety of methods for producing images and some of the tools available for image analysis are described. (BB)

A discussion of the basic design and characteristics of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry systems used in clinical chemistry. A comparison of three specific systems: the Vitek Olfax IIA, Hewlett-Packard HP5992, and Du Pont DP-102 are included. (BB)

Describes numerous pieces of equipment for the chemistry laboratory. (MLH)

Brief descriptions of a number of new items (instruments, kits, collections, booklets) are given. Sources are indicated. (RH)

Descriptions of new equipment and materials are provided. Sources of the items are given. nRWH)