Summary

This book is the first of a two-volume project which attempts to treat the sample handling and detection processes in a liquid chromatographic system in an integrated fashion. The need for more selective and sensitive chromatographic methods to help solve the numerous trace analysis problems in complex samples is undisputed. However, few workers realize the strong interdependence of the various steps - sample handling, separation and detection - which must be considered if one wants to arrive at an optimal solution. By introducing a strong element of selectivity and trace enrichment in the sample preparation step, fewer demands are placed on the quality of the chromatography and often a simple UV detector can be used. By using a selective detection mode, i.e. a reaction detector, the sample handling step can frequently be simplified and more easily automated. The impact of such a total system'' approach on handling series of highly complex samples such as environmental specimens or biological fluids can be easily imagined. Each chapter includes sufficient references to the literature to serve as a valuable starting point for more detailed investigation.