Organic Analysis in Environmental Samples by Electrochemical Methods

Abstract

Concern for the environment is not limited to ecological aspects, but encompasses matter such as the origin and the effects of pollutant discharges, the evaluation of environmental programs, quality control and quality assurance related to analytical precedures, and the analysis of the content of environmental matrices – both inorganic and organic – in order to control and evaluate environmental pollution. Thus, it is right to say that analytical chemistry has an important role to play in environmental analysis. A large number of analytical methods are used in environmental analysis. Some are widely used in environmental programs, and are reference/standard/official methods for the analysis of a great variety of compounds. However, there is no single universal procedure that can be applied to the analysis of any chemical species in any environmental matrix, and for any in situ/remote measurement. Electrochemical (EC) methods are widely used to investigate environmentally significant compounds, both organic and inorganic. EC research covers all important branches of environmental analysis, such as in situ/remote measurements, flow systems, combined applications with a separation technique, (bio)sensors for selective analysis, and monitoring and control procedures. This article discusses the application of these EC methods to the study of organic compounds occurring in environmental water and waste samples.