Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has become one of the most powerful multielement trace analysis techniques available to the analytical chemist. This book by Howard Taylor of the U.S. Geological Survey is a lucid and enjoyable introduction to the technique. The book's broad perspective, extensive references, and helpful diagrams and illustrations make it particularly suitable for use as a textbook in an advanced spectroscopy course, an introduction to the technique for a practicing analytical chemist in industry, or a first-stop reference for anyone just getting started with the technique.

As is often the case with so-called "hyphenated techniques", Taylor's task as an author is to familiarize his audience with the instrumental principles of operation of more than one technology. In this case, Taylor uses roughly the first one-third of the text of the book to instruct the reader on the basic design parameters and operational issues concerning inductively coupled plasmas and mass spectrometers. He begins by discussing the principles and instrumentation underlying the process of plasma formation. Using descriptive narrative, block diagrams, and simple schematics, he guides the reader through a discussion of the major components required to generate the plasma. After discussing the operational characteristics of the RF generator circuit and hardware, he describes the configuration of the typical plasma torch and the impact that torch design and operating conditions have on the shape of the resulting plasma and the successful generation of large numbers of analyte ions therein. Throughout his book, Taylor provides just about the right level of detail to explain each concept and provides informative references as appropriate. The discussion then proceeds to the basics of mass spectrometry as it applies to ICP-MS instrumentation. Taylor's narrative on mass spectrometric instrumentation adequately covers the interface required to get sample from the plasma into the mass spectrometer, single-sector and multisector mass analyzer design, and detector operation. Here also, basic principles of the instrumentation are the primary focus.

Taylor uses the middle third of the book's text to outline the various techniques by which real samples are prepared and introduced into the ICP-MS instrument. Sample introduction techniques for gas, liquid, and solid samples are discussed fairly comprehensively in turn. The section on available nebulizer designs and the factors that determine which design to use under various conditions is particularly informative. In addition to the common techniques, more esoteric methods such as those used in the direct analysis of solids (slurry nebulization, spark and laser ablation techniques) and liquid chromatographic analyte preseparation are also given their due.

The final third of the text of the book is focused on techniques of quantitation and optimization. There is a brief comparison of the analytical figures of merit between currently available ICP-MS instruments. In discussing the quantitative application of ICP-MS, Taylor presents very practical information detailing how to generate semiquantitative versus more accurate, precise, yet more resource-intensive quantitative measurements. He addresses topics such as internal standard calibration, standard addition, and isotopic dilution techniques. Here, in my opinion, he could have added to the text's utility by including more examples or even exercises using real data to illustrate the application of each method. The discussion of the types and causes of interferences contributes greatly to the usefulness of the book. Knowing how to avoid or remedy each type of interference is of great value to the practitioner.

Actually, about 40% of Taylor's book consists of appendix material. This includes some useful tables of ionization potentials and elemental isotopic ratios, polyatomic interferences applicable to each element, and certified reference materials produced in the U.S. and Canada. Not so useful in my opinion is the 100-page appendix of "Supplemental References", which are not indexed to any particular section or citation in the text of the book.

In conclusion, I believe that Taylor's book would be an excellent choice for anyone who requires a general introduction to ICP-MS. Although other recent texts go into more rigorous detail in any of the areas covered by this book, Taylor's clear explanations and enjoyable writing style make obtaining a copy of this work very worthwhile.