Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically detecting and quantitatively determining the presence of metals. The apparatus includes a sample collecting device for locating in an effluent and means to inject the sample into a chromatographic column to separate out the various metal ions present. Two analysing devices, namely, spectrophotometric detector and an electrochemical detector are used. These elements are monitored and controlled by a microprocessor which monitors the delay from injection of the sample and controls the conditions in the electrochemical detector to ensure maximum effectiveness in measuring metal presence. The microprocessor also controls the production of data output from the detectors and controls the frequency of the sample collection.