Trends in Environmental Analysis

Abstract

2This article discusses developments in environmental analytical chemistry that occurred in the years of 2003 and 2004. References were found by searching the Science Citation Index and Current Contents. As in our review of two years ago (A1), techniques are highlighted that represent current trends and state-of-the-art technologies in the sampling, extraction, separation, and detection of trace concentrations, low-part-perbillion and less, of organic, inorganic, and organometallic contaminants in environmental samples. New analytes of interest are also reviewed, the detections of which are made possible by recently developed analytical instruments and methods.In our review of two years ago, we discussed developments in analytical techniques published in [2001][2002] in the context of analysis trends that have occurred over the past decade in the areas of sample collection and extraction, separation and detection, and analytes of emerging environmental interest. We highlighted techniques and methods that best demonstrated the evolution of environmental analysis. In this review, we explore a narrower historical perspective. Beginning with the focus areas that were identified in our last review, we re-examine these areas and emphasize recent contributions to their development. Although there is a trend towards making measurements of environmental contaminants in the field with portable instruments, we have restricted the scope of our review to cover only laboratory-based techniques.Because all method development work starts with information learned from previous studies, we first discuss information collection strategies. In the area of sample collection and extraction, we highlight developments in semi-permeable membrane devices, solid-phase microextraction, hollow fiber, liquid-phase microextraction, and new materials for solid phase extraction. In our discussion of important separation and Carolyn Koester, 03-25-2005 3 detection techniques, we mention developments in novel chromatographic stationary phases, chiral separations, two-dimensional gas chromatography, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, including its use for isotope measurements, its coupling with chromatographic separations techniques, and its use with laser ablation, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. As emerging detection techniques, we highlight accelerator mass spectrometry and high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry. As in our last review, we have also tabulated a list of contaminants of current concern and the analytical strategies that are used for their detection in environmental media.Because the requirements of the editors necessitate that we be selective in our review, we acknowledge that we will not be able to mention all of the noteworthy developments in the analysis of trace pollutants present in environmental matrices that have occurred since 2003. For this reason, we encourage our readers to examine the other articles published in the 2005 Application Revie...

Perchlorate in sewage sludge, rice, bottled water and milk collected from different areas in China

“…In recent years, perchlorate has been recognized as a new threat to the environment and drinking water. It has been listed as a new emerging contaminant in several reviews on environmental analytical methodology (Koester, 2005;Richardson and Ternes, 2005).…”

Review. An overview on the environmental behaviour of pesticide residues in soils

“…Much has been learnt about the derived problems of an incorrect use. The methods used to study their environmental fate have improved enormously and much has been learnt about the behaviour of pesticides in different media (Koester and Moulik, 2005).…”

On Applicability of a Miniaturised Laser Ablation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer for Trace Elements Measurements

“…By investigation of such processes as corrosion, catalysis, or adhesion effects on the surfaces, the elemental impurities at ∼ppm level can play important role in chemical and physical processes [3]. The detection and monitoring of trace elements are used in control of pollution of environmental samples, air, water, plants, animals, and soils that poison agricultural or manufactured products [4]. Studies of isotopes of trace and ultratrace elements (e.g., P, S, Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Cu, Mn) having a vital role in living organisms are of considerable interest and can be used to investigate many biological processes and also the influence of the environment on biological functions [5].…”