Field Analytical Chemistry and Technology

Edited by:
  • Henk L. C. Meuzelaar
Wiley. 6/yr. USA $195, elsewhere $231

As analytical chemistry has evolved, it has focused primarily on the determination of substances within the controlled confines of a fixed laboratory. While there has always been an interest in conducting analyses where a sample is actually found, such on-site measurements have generally been found impractical for the more complex determinations that require highly sophisticated instrumentation and methodology.

Nevertheless, there has been a constant effort to adapt even the most sophisticated methods for portable use in the field. Such efforts introduce the inevitable challenges of instrument ruggedness, availability of appropriate power supplies, and control of operating parameters.

Field measurement is necessary when samples need to be analysed at their site of occurrence, as, for example, when dealing with unstable analytes; when immediate results are required, such as in detecting chemical or microbiological warfare agents on the battlefield; and when the analyst cannot be present, such as for analyses performed on the surfaces of other planets.

Field Analytical Chemistry and Technology is the first journal to focus on this area, and fills an important niche. It is international and interdisciplinary, publishing refereed, original research papers, short technical notes, reviews and so-called ‘Outfield Reports’. The latter articles arise from what is described as “major field analytical projects involving multidisciplinary teams, often operating under highly demanding conditions”. Stimulating editorials add to the journal's appeal.

Although the editorial board is international, with members representing nine different countries, and the journal policy is international in scope, 75 per cent of the articles across three issues came from US laboratories.

The journal has a professional, high-quality appearance and is nicely laid out. The period from submission to acceptance is generally less than two months; the lag for actual publication also appears to be short, but is difficult to discern exactly as copies of the journal are identified by volume and issue number within a given year rather than by month of publication.