Abstract
Abstract Even very low concentrations of heavy metal pollutants have adverse effects on the environment and on human health. Thus, determining even trace concentrations of heavy metals in various samples has attracted a lot of attention. The conventional analytical methods used for the sampling and analysis of heavy metals have some limitations, including the effects of the matrix and their high detection limits. Thus, various methods are used for the pretreatment and concentration of the target analytes, and these methods are time-consuming, expensive, and require the use of toxic solvents. In recent years, supramolecular solvent-based microextraction (SSME), a green analytical strategy, has been used to determine low concentrations of heavy metals in various matrices. This method has unique features such as high enrichment factor, short extraction time, and rapid analysis. In addition, it is cost effective because it consumes less chemical reagents than other methods. Also, it is ecofriendly, and it has good sensitivity and selectivity. Herein, we presented a comprehensive review of the application of the SSME technique for the analysis of heavy metals in water, food, and biological samples. Also, we have provided the distinctive properties of the SSME technique, discussed the challenges that lie ahead, and addressed the potential future trend.
Highlights
Pollution from heavy metals has been found in many places around the globe
The determination of heavy metals has been widely performed by conventional analysis methods (e.g., electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ETAAS), flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS))
As noted above, when using conventional methods, the matrix effect represents a major challenge in the determination of trace heavy metals, as interfering ions are typically found in the real matrices from which target heavy metals are extracted
Summary
Pollution from heavy metals has been found in many places around the globe. The contamination of the environment by these substances is one of the major challenges in modern human society, and it has various causes, such as the rapid pace of urbanization, land use changes, and industrialization, especially in developing countries [1,2]. The anthropogenic sources include industrial emissions, mining and smelting wastes, and agricultural activities [3,4] Some of these metals, such as zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and cobalt, are essential for plants, animals, and humans, but they can be toxic for humans and other life forms at high concentrations [5,6,7]. Because heavy metals may be found in very low concentrations in the environment (which can have effects on health), sensitive analytical methods are required to extract, separate, and quantify their trace amounts in various samples. SSME have been successfully used for the extraction and identification of a wide range of organic and inorganic pollutants, such as heavy metals These techniques have shown a high enrichment factor and good sensitivity and selectivity [23,24,25]. For the first time, we reviewed the use of SSME techniques for heavy metal analysis in different samples
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