Green Methods of Chemical Analysis and Pollutant Removal

Abstract

This chapter deals with chemical analysis and pollutant removal methods that follow some of the 12 principles of Green Chemistry. In this chapter, the 12 principles of the Green Chemistry along with the short description are highlighted. Several chemical analysis methods are presented, that are both used for chemical identification and concentration determination, whether conventionally or instrumentally. The conventional chemical analysis methods evaluated in this chapter include volumetric and gravimetric, while the instrumental ones presented are limited to atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for determination of the analyte concentration, and Infrared spectrometry (IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for chemical identification. Additionally, the pollutant removal methods involving conventional and advanced processes, are reviewed. The conventional chemical removal methods such as precipitation, coagulation, and adsorption are illustrated. The advanced methods in removing chemical pollutants discussed in this chapter are photocatalytic degradation, photo-oxidation/reduction, Fenton and Photo-Fenton, and ozonation. In the description of the chemical analysis and the chemical pollutant removal methods, the evaluation of the unsuitableness or suitableness toward some of the Green Chemistry principles are also accompanied. In addition, the ways to make the less green methods to be greener are also proposed.