Choice Review

Reliable, simple standardized methods for the analysis of drinking-water supplies and wastewater treatment have been a concern of water specialists for more than a century. Historically the standard reference book dealing primarily with analytical methodology is Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (16th ed., 1985), published by the American Public Health Association. The volume under review would compete with this book. Its publication grew out of the need for information and further training in the Federal Republic of Germany's partner countries in technical cooperative projects. Although it is basically an analytical recipe book, there is a commendable amount of theory of applications as well. It is expertly compiled and adequately covers the basic methodologies required for monitoring and improving water quality. It attempts to standardize and simplify the procedures used in establishing national environmental laboratories and waterworks laboratories for monitoring drinking-water quality, particularly in newly industrializing countries. It will have greater international than US appeal. US library purchase should be predicated on its value as a supplement to standard reference volumes.-C.W. Boylen, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute