Concepts and Trends in Green Analytical Chemistry

Abstract

The principles of green chemistry and green engineering apply to analytical chemistry, as chemical analysis requires solvents, reagents and energy, and generates waste. The path to greening analytical methodologies involves making incremental improvements to established methods as well as completely rethinking analytical approaches, such as eliminating sampling for laboratory testing by measuring analytes in situ in the field. In Chapter 2, the advantages of and challenges associated with on-site analysis are discussed, and the ways in which contemporary analytical techniques can lead to increased productivity, efficiency and accuracy, and thereby reduce the consumption of materials in the laboratory, are presented. The strategies include changing or modifying reagents and solvents, and reducing the use of chemicals through automation, advanced flow techniques, and miniaturisation. Several approaches to assessing green profiles are described, and a rationale provided for their inclusion in performance criteria for green analytical methods.