Abstract. Using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and combustion elemental analysis, green coffees of the Arabica species produced in crop year lC~87/88 in Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, E1 Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamfi and Papua New Guinea were analysed for the elements Ba, Br, C, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Cs, Fe, H, K, La, Mg, Mn, N, Na, Rb, Sc, Sr and Zn. In accordance with the concentrations determined, the elements could be ranked into five groups: Sc (sub-ppb level); Br, Co, Cr, Cs and La (ppb level); Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Rb, Sr and Zn (ppm level); Ca and Mg (%0 level); and C, H, K and N (% level). On the basis; of the results obtained, an attempt was made to establish the origin of the green coffee via its elemental composition. Among the investigated elements, manganese was found to be best suited as an indicator for this purpose. However, the elements C, Co, Cs, Na and Rb proved to be of interest too.

We conclude from the increased release of toxic, allergic, and potentially carcinogenic ions adjacent to stainless steel that commercially pure Ti should be treated as the preferred material for osteosyntheses if a removal of the implant is not intended. However, neither material provoked a foreign-body reaction in the local tissues, thus cpTi cannot be recommend as the 'golden standard' for osteosynthesis material in general.

A new type of atomic absorption spectrometer using a laser diode as light source and a tungsten coil as atomizer is described. Compared to established atomic absorption spectrometers, it is much simpler in construction, smaller in size, and less expensive and it provides inherent background correction and high detection power. The performance of this concept is demonstrated by the determination of aluminum and chromium in water, blood serum and, using the slurry sampling technique, in powdered high-purity graphite and titanium dioxide samples. For calibration, the standard addition method was used. Possible interferences by impurities originating from the tungsten coils are discussed. Applying aqueous solutions of Al and Cr, detection limits of 0.9 and 0.03 ng/mL, respectively, were obtained, and for serum, they were 2.5 and 0.3 ng/mL, respectively. For these elements in graphite and titanium dioxide applied as slurry, the detection limits are between 0.02 (Cr in TiO2) and 0.6 micrograms/g (Al in graphite). The accuracy was checked by comparison of the results with those of other methods. The described system is especially suitable for on-site and on-line analysis.

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An improved graphite furnace electrothermal vaporization device, equipped with an autosampler system for precise and almost contamination-free introduction of solid samples, was used for the simultaneous determination of Al,