Improving greenness and sustainability of standard analytical methods by microextraction techniques: A critical review

Abstract

Since environmental awareness has increased in analytical chemistry, the demand for green sample preparation methods continues to grow. Microextractions such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) miniaturize the pre-concentration step and are a more sustainable alternative to conventional large-scale extractions. However, the integration of microextractions in standard and routine analysis methods is rare, although these applications are used most frequently and have a role model function. Therefore, it is important to highlight that microextractions are capable to replace large-scale extractions in standard and routine methods. This review discusses the greenness, benefits, and drawbacks of the most common LPME and SPME variants compatible with gas chromatography based on the following key evaluation principles: Automation, solvent consumption, hazards, reusability, energy consumption, time efficiency, and handling. Furthermore, the need to integrate microextractions into standard and routine analytical methods is presented by using method greenness evaluation metrics AGREE, AGREEprep, and GAPI applied to USEPA methods and their replacements.

Keywords: Automation; Greenness; Microextraction; Sample preparation; Sustainability.