Applications of microwave-assisted processes (MAP™) to environmental analysis

Abstract

The use of microwave-assisted extraction has gained wide acceptance as a powerful tool for the recovery of environmental contaminants and their subsequent analysis. This paper reviews the historical and fundamental basis of the technology. It also provides a cursory review of the current state-of-the-art and literature (2000-2006) in the area of environmental analysis in addition to providing a critical review of the level of efforts being devoted to its further development.

Influence of Traffic Emissions on the Carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Outdoor Breathable Particles

“…23 Different techniques have been used to determine PAHs in PM. 24,25 Among those, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) combined with liquid chromatography (LC) allows selective extraction of compounds in a relatively short time compared with conventional methods. Another advantage of this technique is usage of lowertoxicity solvents; in comparison with conventional processes it also requires less solvent and energy, generating fewer wastes.…”

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate samples by microwave‐assisted extraction and liquid chromatography

“…Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) provides a technique where compounds can be extracted selectively, in a relatively short period of time compared to conventional extraction methods and allows for an enhanced extraction yield for the more volatile compounds which normally require special and separate extraction methods [13,14]. This approach supports sustainable development as it permits the use of lower toxicity solvents, and requires less energy and solvent than conventional processes, while generating fewer wastes [14].…”

“…At high temperatures, the rate of extraction increases because the viscosity and the surface tension decreases, while solubility and diffusion rate into the sample increase. However, draconian extraction conditions (high temperature and pressure) usually affect negatively the extraction selectivity and vigorous cleaning steps are required before the analysis [13]. In our work the three solvents selected were tested at 90, 100, 110, and 1208C.…”

A novel application of microwave-assisted extraction of polyphenols from brewer’s spent grain with HPLC-DAD-MS analysis

“…This technique uses the energy of microwaves to cause molecular movement and rotation of liquids with a permanent dipole leading to a very fast heating of the solvent and the sample, offering advantages like improved efficiency, reduced extraction time, low solvent consumption and high level of automation compared to conventional extraction techniques. In addition, by using closed vessels, the extraction can be performed at elevated temperatures accelerating the mass transfer of target compounds from the sample matrix [15][16][17]. Several classes of phenolic compounds have been efficiently extracted from a variety of matrices, such as apple pomace [18], red raspberries [15], green tea leaves [19], Camellia oleifera fruit hull [20], grape seed [21,22], wheat bran [23], and distillers dried grains [24].…”