Chapter 18 - Applications of thin-layer chromatography in environmental analysis

Abstract

Contemporary applications of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) for target compound and non-target compound analysis in environmental samples is described. Advances in automation and facile coupling to mass spectrometric detection together with the traditional advantages of high sample throughput due to the use of simultaneous parallel separations, the simplicity of applying chemical reactions and biological detection directly on layers after development, and the high tolerance to sample matrix are gaining increasing attention in laboratories seeking new ways to relieve the bottlenecks associated with column-based methods. Planar solid-phase extraction for sample cleanup provides an attractive alternative to time-consuming, multistep processes commonly used for complex sample matrices with the added advantage that matrix contamination can be monitored as part of the method development process. Effect-directed detection using enzymes, microorganisms, genetically modified yeast cells for monitoring non-target compounds with a variety of toxicity endpoints is emerging as an important technique for hazard evaluation of environmental samples.