The book explains how to interpret the significance of water quality data, including expanded tables with water quality parameters and chemicals that relate to water quality. It also contains EPA water use classifications and describes treatment methods for industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste discharges.

Example problems and end-of-chapter questions emphasize repetition of concepts, preparing students to become adept at the basics before they progress to an advanced general chemistry course. Enhanced with visualization techniques such as the first chapter’s mythical microscope, the book clarifies challenging, abstract ideas and stimulates curiosity into what can otherwise be an overwhelming topic. The appendix contains answers to the homework exercises so students can check their work and receive instant feedback as to whether they have adequately grasped the concepts before moving on to the next section. Designed to help students embrace chemistry not with trepidation, but with confidence, this solid preparatory text forms a firm foundation for more advanced chemistry training.

This volume focuses on applying various chromatographic techniques to combinatorial methods and high-throughput analyses. The authors address various limitations to traditional techniques and present developments that enable scientists to analyze a higher volume of smaller molecules under high-throughput conditions more efficiently. Other practical topics include discussions of selection criteria for using alternative solvents and reagents, minimum requirements for utilizing readily available instrumentation and methods for new applications, the use of high-throughput purification for obtaining higher quality leads, and new chromatographic data on organic endocrine disrupters.