Noble Metals and Biological Systems examines the relationship between noble metals (gold, silver, and platinum group metals) and biological systems. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 is concerned with the analytical chemistry of noble metals and includes a description of the latest methods of analysis. Part 2 describes such topics as ecology and environmental science of noble metals as they pertain to biogeochemical exploration, noble metals in hair, the environmental geochemistry of palladium, microorganisms and noble metals, animals and noble metals, and a general survey of noble metals in the environment. Coverage is comprehensive and includes information regarding the use of dogs and termites as field assistants in mineral prospecting, as well as the fascinating story of the "gold bug", a microorganism that plates itself with gold. Part 3 is devoted entirely to noble metals in the treatment of disease and includes chapters describing the use of osmium and gold for arthritis treatment, silver as a bactericide, and platinum and ruthenium as anticancer agents. Noble Metals and Biological Systems will provide fascinating reading for applied geochemists, environmentalists, public health specialists, ecologists, microbiologists, clinical biochemists, oncologists, and specialists in rheumatic diseases.

Significant refinements of biogeochemical methods applied to mineral exploration have been made during more than twenty years since the last major publication on this technique. This innovative, practical and comprehensive text is designed as a field handbook and an office reference volume. It outlines the historical development of biogeochemical methods applied to mineral exploration, and provides details of what, how, why and when to collect samples from all major climatic environments with examples from around the world. Recent commercialization of sophisticated analytical technology permits immensely more insight into the multi-element composition of plants. In particular, precise determination of ultra-trace levels of ‘pathfinder’ elements in dry tissues and recognition of element distribution patterns with respect to concealed mineralization. Data handling and interpretation are discussed in context of a wealth of previously unpublished information, including a section on plant mineralogy, much of which has been classified as confidential until recently. Data are provided on the biogeochemistry of more than 60 elements and, by case history examples, their roles discussed in assisting in the discovery of concealed mineral deposits. A look to the future includes the potential role of bacteria to provide new focus for mineral exploration. Analyses of samples from the controlled environment of Britain’s Eden Project are presented on an accompanying CD as part of a database that includes, also, the potential role of the halogens to assist in mineral exploration. Data on this CD provide a ‘hands-on’ approach for the reader to interrogate and personally assess real datasets from the burgeoning discipline of biogeochemical exploration. * Describes the practical aspects of plant selection and collection in different environments around the world, and how to process and analyze them * Discusses more than 60 elements in plants, with data interpretation and case history results that include exploration for Au, PGEs, U, base metals and kimberlites * Contains databases as digital files on an accompanying CD for "hands-on" experimentation with real biogeochemical data

The use of copper, silver, gold and platinum in jewelry as a measure of wealth is well known. This book contains 19 chapters written by international authors on other uses and applications of noble and precious metals (copper, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, ruthenium, and rhenium). The topics covered include surface-enhanced Raman scattering, quantum dots, synthesis and properties of nanostructures, and its applications in the diverse fields such as high-tech engineering, nanotechnology, catalysis, and biomedical applications. The basis for these applications is their high-free electron concentrations combined with high-temperature stability and corrosion resistance and methods developed for synthesizing nanostructures. Recent developments in all these areas with up-to-date references are emphasized.

An expert overview of current research, applications, and economic and environmental advantages The study and development of new homogeneous catalysts based on first-row metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) has grown significantly due to the economic and environmental advantages that non-noble metals present. Base metals offer reduced cost, greater supply, and lower toxicity levels than noble metals?enabling greater opportunity for scientific investigation and increased development of practical applications. Non-Noble Metal Catalysis provides an authoritative survey of the field, from fundamental concepts and computational methods to industrial applications and reaction classes. Recognized experts in organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis, the authors present a comprehensive overview of the conceptual and practical aspects of non-noble metal catalysts. Examination of topics including non-innocent ligands, proton-coupled electron transfer, and multi-nuclear complexes provide essential background information, while areas such as kinetic lability and lifetimes of intermediates reflect current research and shifting trends in the field. This timely book demonstrates the efficacy of base metal catalysts in the pharmaceutical, fine-chemical, and agrochemical industries, addressing both environmental and economic concerns. Providing essential conceptual and practical exploration, this valuable resource: -Illustrates how unravelling new reactivity patterns can lead to new catalysts and new applications -Highlights the multiple advantages of using non-noble metals in homogenous catalysis -Demonstrates how the availability of non-noble metal catalysis reduces costs and leads to immense savings for the chemical industry -Reveals how non-noble metal catalysis are more sustainable than noble metals such as palladium or platinum Non-Noble Metal Catalysis: Molecular Approaches and Reactions is an indispensable source of up-to-date information for catalytic chemists, organic chemists, industrial chemists, organometallic chemists, and those seeking to broaden their knowledge of catalytic chemistry.

This volume is devoted to the research area regarding the biological properties of metal alkyl derivatives, offering an authoritative account of this subject by 16 scientists. In 11 chapters, Biological Properties of Metal Alkyl Derivatives highlights, in detail, derivatives of germanium, tin, lead, arsenic, antimony, selenium, tellurium, cobalt (vitamin B12 derivatives) and nickel (coenzyme F430), including the role of (mainly) micro-organisms in their formation. The derivatives of indium, thallium, bismuth, various transition metals and mercury are also covered to some extent, as are those of the non-metals silicon, phosphorus and sulfur, and the haloperoxidase route of the biogenesis of halomethanes by fungi and plants. The properties of these alkyl derivatives, their biosynthesis, including mechanistic aspects, their appearance in waters (rivers, lakes, oceans) and sediments, and their physiological and toxic effects are summarized.

Continues the tradition of excellence established in previous volumes in this acclaimed series. Volume 36 focuses on the vibrant research area concerning the interrelation between free radicals and metal ions and their resulting effects on life processes; it offers an authoritative and timely account of this fascinating area of research in 21 chapters.

"Volume 31, devoted solely to the role of vanadium in life processes, offers a comprehensive and timely account of this fascinating field by 37 distinguished, international authorities. Highlights the properties of the various oxidation states of vanadium, their affinity for biogenic ligands, the effects of vanadium species on enzyme activity, the role of vanadium in nitrogenases and haloperoxidases, and more."