Green sample preparation strategies for organic/inorganic compounds in environmental samples

Abstract

A rigorous evaluation of environmental contamination requires constant innovation in analytical approaches to gain early identification and accurate quantification of every substance able to compromise health and well-being. Particularly, when trace analysis of organic and inorganic contaminants, and their species, in complex environmental samples is required. The analytical process comprises several steps, above all sample treatment, involving isolation of analytes, purification of extracts and preconcentration, often constitute the most time and labor consuming part. This review provides an overview in sample-treatment procedures applied for the analysis of organic and inorganic compoundsin environmental samples in recent years. The current state of the art is emphasized on those techniques and approaches that have already demonstrated their sufficient analytical performance.