Towards Sustainability

Abstract

The Horizon 2030 program of the United Nations presents a proposal for sustainable development and 17 goals for transforming our world [1]. Various actions and public policies are now striving to attain these objectives, with (bio)analytical chemistry, due to its nature, playing a fundamental role not only in industry but also in education and research [2]. Nowadays, within this concept, the appeal of a methodology continues to be sensitive, precise and accurate in terms of analytical chemistry but the analytical characteristics are also targeted towards the principles of environmental sustainability. Thus, in the literature, it is common to find that methods where the three Hs were used (i.e. High sample/reagent volumes, High risks and Hard work) are now being substituted by methods involving the three Rs (i.e. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). It is easy to rationalize that the multitude of applications in different research areas (e.g. chemistry, human health, biology, environment, etc.) tend towards minimalist concepts that may involve all analytical sequences. Additionally, to attain the ‘greenness’ metrics of a method, different greenness assessment tools are available in the literature, such as GAPI or AGREE,[2], and metrology and chemometrics may help to attain this objective. Within the context of sustainable development, this volume of the BrJAC is prone to a diversity of applications towards sustainability that involve methods employing small volumes, low-cost sensors, minimalist techniques and the importance of teaching metrology, among others. It is time to enjoy the reading of this issue and take into consideration the important aspects for the next application of our research work, which may involve environmental protection, circular economy and resource sustainability, the so-called sustainability triad (Environment, Economy and Society). Onwards to sustainability!