Book excerpt: Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples presents a detailed description of 13 analytical methods covering 35 analytes that may be present in a variety of sample types. The methods involve a wide range of analytical instrumentation including inductively coupled plasma (ICP)/atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), ICP/mass spectroscopy (MS), atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy, ion chromatography (IC), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The application of these techniques to such a diverse group of sample types is a unique feature of this book. Sample types include waters ranging from drinking water to marine water, in addition to industrial and municipal wastewater, groundwater, and landfill leachate. The book also includes methods that will accommodate biological tissues, sediments, and soils. Methods in this book can be used in several regulatory programs because of their applicability to many sample types. For example, ICP/AES, ICP/MS, and AA methods can be used in drinking water and permit programs. Methods applicable to marine and estuarine waters can be used for the EPA's National Estuary Program. Terminology is consistent throughout the book, an important feature especially for the quality control sections where standardized terminology is not yet available. Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples is an indispensable methods guide for all environmetal labs, wastewater labs, drinking water labs, lab managers, consultants, and groundwater engineers.