Advanced Analytical Techniques in Environmental Chemistry

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental analysis covers soil, water, air, and biological matrices, while target analytes include naturally occurring substances and contaminants resulting from anthropogenic activities. Particular challenges in environmental matrix analysis are introduced by the very low concentrations at which some compounds should be measured, the different oxidation states in which analytes are found, and the forms in which a particular analyte (which influence its mobility and bioavailability) is present. Another subject of interest in environmental analysis is the development of analytical protocols that correspond to the principles of “green chemistry”. This involves both sample preparation methodologies and instrumental detection. In terms of instrumentation, this refers mainly to miniaturization and automatization to reduce energy, reagent volumes, sample sizes, waste, and the use of multi-analyte or multi-parameter methods. In terms of sample preparation methodologies, reducing the pretreatment stages as much as possible, lowering the reagent volume, and avoiding or replacing toxic reagents are desirable. As a result, there is a continuous research interest in the development, validation, and application of new analytical techniques with improved performance characteristics for environmental quality characterization. There is a permanent demand to develop and use methods that ensure reliable and dependable analytical data. In order to achieve this, method validation is an essential component that a laboratory should implement. Considering these aspects, this Special Issue is addressed to scientists working on the development, validation, and application of advanced analytical methods designed for environmental quality assessment. The main topics covered in this Special Issue are: (I) environmentally friendly sample preparation methodologies; (II) analytical instrumentation with improved performance parameters; (III) methodologies for element speciation; (III) methodologies for in situ analysis/monitoring; (IV) development and validation of analytical methods to ensure quality performances for environmental sample analysis; (V) application of advanced analytical techniques for environmental quality assessment.

Dr. Marin Senila
Guest Editor

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