X-RAY SPECTROMETRY, VOL. 18, 187 (1989)

Book Review

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry by RON JENKINS Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1988; ISBN 0-471-83675-3

This new monograph is a basic introduction to x-ray fluorescence spectrometry and emphasizes develop- ments made in this technique within the last decade. The book (169 pages including references) is divided into eleven short chapters and intended primarily for senior undergraduate- and graduate-level students in chemistry, geology, and metallurgy. The chapters include such topics as the properties and uses of x-ray emission spectrometry, industrial applications of x-rays, x-ray diffraction, recent trends in instrumentation, comparison of wavelength- and energy-dispersive spectrometers, sample preparation and presentation, qualitative analysis, quantitative considerations and procedures, multiple element methods, and applications. Jenkins’ flowing narrative style make this monograph highly readable and captures the essence of x-ray spec- trometric concepts in a straightforward manner.

There are some minor errors, for example reference 3 at the top of page 108 is omitted from the list of refer-

ences on page 113. A difficulty in such short texts is that some statements can be misleading because of a lack of in-depth discussion or treatment of the subject matter. For example, on page 112, a statement is made that for preconcentration of trace metals from such samples as seawater, Chelex-100 resin is not successful in separat- ing such elements as calcium. While this is true of mem- brane filters in which Chelex-100 resin is impregnated, the resin itself used in a column chromatography mode is excellent for removing alkali and alkaline earth ele- ments from trace metals, even from seawater.

Although these problems exist, this monograph will be useful to the student who wants an overview of modern x-ray spectrometry as a technique for elemental materials characterization.

PETER A. PELLA National Institute of Standards and Technology