Advances in miniaturized liquid sample preparation techniques for environmental analysis: A special look towards green solvents and automation

Author(s)

Martins, Rafael Oliveira ; Will, Camila ; Magalhaes, Maria Flavia Assuncao ; Lancas, Fernando Mauro

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY OPEN; v. 8, p. 20-pg., 2025-11-01.

Abstract

The continuous advancements in agricultural and industrial practices have led to the widespread introduction of various chemicals across key production sectors. While these substances offer significant benefits, their improper disposal has led to their accumulation in environmental compartments, raising global concerns about their potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. In quantitative and qualitative analysis, liquid miniaturized techniques have been widely applied to these matrices to ensure the detection and quantification of these compounds in environmental samples. Many of their advantages are rooted in key principles of green analytical chemistry, such as reduced sample and solvent consumption, as well as their versatility in enabling diverse extraction designs. However, the use of conventional organic solvents and labor-intensive extraction procedures still limits the full potential of these techniques in environmental applications. Hence, the present review provides an overview of current applications of miniaturized liquid-phase extraction protocols in environmental analysis, highlighting innovative approaches. Moreover, we discuss the use of green solvents and the potential for automation in these methods. Through this review, we aim to encourage researchers to adopt miniaturized liquid techniques for environmental monitoring, thereby advancing the implementation of more sustainable and efficient analytical strategies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02147-0 - Single drop chromatography and its coupling to mass spectrometry: instrumental strategies, development of materials, automation and analytical applications
• Grantee: Fernando Mauro Lanças
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/21985-6 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 17/02147-0: electrospray ionization nano/micro liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system (ESI-QqQ (MS/MS)) - nano/µ-LC-ESI-MS/MS
• Grantee: Fernando Mauro Lanças
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 23/15675-5 - Preparation, characterization, and applications of chitosan-graphene oxide hybrid sorbents in automated microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS): evaluation of residues and contaminants in food matrices
• Grantee: Rafael Oliveira Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 23/07159-7 - Synthesis, characterization and applications of novel graphene-derived sorbents in separation techniques
• Grantee: Fernando Mauro Lanças
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/21984-0 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 17/02147-0: electron ionization nano liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system with a quadrupole analyzer (EI-Q (MS)) - nano-LC-EI-MS
• Grantee: Fernando Mauro Lanças
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program