Pollutant analysis applications of solid-phase analytical derivatizations

Abstract

The increased accumulation of organic pollutants in various ecological systems in recent decades is a growing concern since these pollutants have detrimental effects on humans, animals, and plants. Two major contributing factors are pharmaceuticals and industrial waste chemicals from anthropogenic sources. To better understand the hazards environmental pollutants, represent to living beings, it is essential to develop sensitive, rapid, and reliable analytical methods. A subset of functional group analysis termed "analytical derivatization" modifies an analyte's structure to make it better suited for chromatographic analysis. Despite being an extra time-consuming step in sample preparation, analytical derivatization improves sensitivity, chromatographic separation, and selectivity in analytical method development. Solid-phase analytical derivatization, which combines extraction and derivatization steps, satisfies many requirements for an efficient sample preparation technique, which include reduced organic solvent usage, low cost, simplicity in automation with gas and liquid chromatographic systems, and applicability in a wide range of complex sample matrices. The focus of this review is on solid-phase analytical derivatization methodologies applied to analytical method development in environmental analysis, such as monitoring air pollution, water quality, and soil matrices. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of the solid-phase analytical derivatization approach in environmental analysis, the challenges ahead, and potential applications.