Analytical studies of the environment.

Analytical studies of the environment have dealt primarily with toxic materials that may affect the health of man. Studies may also be made to evaluate nuisance effects and economic factors associated with corrosion, staining and damage to plant and animal life. It is important to note that many so-called pollutants are also essential trace elements. Analytical studies of the environment, therefore, should provide a broad background of knowledge for a true evaluation of the nature of the environment and changes that are taking place. A brief review of toxic and carcinogenic materials reveals that there are many hazards to man that are present in the environment. Analytical methods for studying water quality and ambient atmospheres are of critical importance. The analytical problems are very complex and there is great need for a concerted effort to develop suitable analytical procedures and to collect reliable analytical data. It may surprise many to learn that although waters have been analysed for many centuries, no one has yet truly determined the nature and amount of all inorganic species in natural waters, let alone the various organic species that must be present. The study of air pollution is similarly deficient in methodology. A review of the current status of analytical chemistry as applied to air and water pollution studies is made. Some important deficiencies in our present knowledge are pointed out. An evaluation of the environment implies both qualitative and quantitative appraisals of toxic and carcinogenic compounds that may be present in foods and food additives, waters and the atmosphere. With the present concern about water and air pollution it is often overlooked that the nature and distribution of various nutrients and essential trace elements is also a matter of great importance. It is not possible in this short discussion to consider all of the aspects of the environment, nor is it possible to even list all of the species present in the environment that are important and, therefore, of analytical interest. Only the analytical aspects of water and air quality studies will be considered. In the case of water, the study of the oceans and seas will be omitted, as will the grossly polluted water such as trade waste and sewage. Likewise, in discussing air quality, the discussion will be limited to the ambient atmosphere and only brief mention will be made of grossly polluted air such as that represented by stack emissions. There are many reasons for analysing waters and air to determine the nature and extent of pollutant species that may be present. Disregarding such considerations as nuisance effects, aesthetic considerations, and