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Advances in Environmental Analytical Chemistry

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Analytical Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 12287

Special Issue Editors

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Analytical Science and Technology for Biodiversity-Based Economic and Society, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Interests: environmental analysis; flow based chemical analysis; green chemical analysis; local wisdom based innovation
Environmental Chemistry and Atmospheric Research, Institut für Technischen Umweltschutz, Technische Universität Berlin, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
Interests: environmental analytical chemistry; air analysis; method development; simplified sample preparation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Development in analytical chemistry aims for high-performance instrumentation, including automation, with consideration for sensitivity, selectivity, and precision. These features will benefit the study of environmental chemistry. Other approaches, not requiring highly skilled personnel, with a limited budget for chemicals and instruments, such as simple sensor devices with sufficient specificity and accuracy, are also in huge demand for environmental monitoring, with on-site analysis to obtain semi-real-time information. The latter may incorporate in everyday information communication technologies (ICTs), offering cost-effective real-time spatial information. Both approaches advance environmental analytical chemistry for the lithosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere.

This Special Issue considers: (1) the advances in environmental analytical chemistry, development in analytical methodologies, instrumentations, chemical analysis as tools for environmental studies; (2) developments in any steps of chemical analysis to promote advances in the investigation of our environment; and (3) the fates of chemical species in our environment (lithosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere). The works will serve various goals of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

Prof. Dr. Kate Grudpan
Dr. Wolfgang Frenzel
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • method development
  • instrumentation development
  • modern chemical analysis
  • soil/mineral/sediment
  • water monitoring
  • air monitoring
  • sample preparation
  • sensors
  • on-site analysis
  • fates of chemicals in the environment
  • UN-SDGs

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1357 KiB  
Article
Dendrimer Coated Silica as a Sorbent for Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction of Select Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs from Water
by Piotr Ścigalski and Przemysław Kosobucki
Molecules 2024, 29(2), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020380 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been recognized as a potentially serious threat to the natural environment. NSAIDs are popular painkillers, and the main pathway for them to reach natural water is via discharge from wastewater and sewage treatment plants. In order to monitor [...] Read more.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been recognized as a potentially serious threat to the natural environment. NSAIDs are popular painkillers, and the main pathway for them to reach natural water is via discharge from wastewater and sewage treatment plants. In order to monitor contamination caused by these drugs, as well as their impact on the environment, a new material based on Silica Gel 60, functionalized with a dendrimeric copolymer of methylamine and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (named MA-BDDE), was prepared. Initial physicochemical characterization of the MA-BDDE material was carried out using ATR FT-IR spectroscopy as well as solid-state carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy. Its effectiveness at NSAID extraction was evaluated by the application of five select drugs in dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE): aspirin, ketoprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen. This was followed by their simultaneous determination using the HPLC-UV/Vis system demonstrating good sensitivity, with limits of detection values within the 63–265 ng mL−1 range. A comparison of the sorption capacity of each pharmaceutical with unmodified base silica showed an at least tenfold increase in capacity after modification. Initial MA-BDDE application in a quick, low-waste extraction procedure of those select NSAIDs from spiked surface water samples yielded promising results for its use as a sorbent, as recovery values of analytes adsorbed from various samples were found to exceed 72%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Analytical Chemistry)
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17 pages, 6281 KiB  
Article
Portable Colorimetric Hydrogel Test Kits and On-Mobile Digital Image Colorimetry for On-Site Determination of Nutrients in Water
by Worawit Wongniramaikul, Bussakorn Kleangklao, Chanita Boonkanon, Tarawee Taweekarn, Kharittha Phatthanawiwat, Wilasinee Sriprom, Wadcharawadee Limsakul, Wanchitra Towanlong, Danai Tipmanee and Aree Choodum
Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7287; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217287 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2755
Abstract
Portable colorimetric hydrogel test kits are newly developed for the on-site detection of nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate in water. Griess-doped hydrogel was prepared at the bottom of a 1.5 mL plastic tube for nitrite detection, a nitrate reduction film based on zinc powder [...] Read more.
Portable colorimetric hydrogel test kits are newly developed for the on-site detection of nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate in water. Griess-doped hydrogel was prepared at the bottom of a 1.5 mL plastic tube for nitrite detection, a nitrate reduction film based on zinc powder was placed on the inner lid of a second 1.5 mL plastic tube for use in conjunction with the Griess-doped hydrogel for nitrate detection, and a molybdenum blue-based reagent was entrapped within a poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel matrix placed at the bottom of a third 1.5 mL plastic tube to detect phosphate. These test kits are usable with on-mobile digital image colorimetry (DIC) for the on-site determination of nutrients with good analytical performance. The detection limits were 0.02, 0.04, and 0.14 mg L−1 for nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate, respectively, with good accuracy (<4.8% relative error) and precision (<1.85% relative standard deviation). These test kits and on-mobile DIC were used for the on-site determination of nutrients in the Pak Bang and Bang Yai canals, the main canals in Phuket, Thailand. The concentrations of nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate were undetectable to 0.60 mg L−1, undetectable to 2.98 mg L−1, and undetectable to 0.52 mg L−1, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Analytical Chemistry)
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21 pages, 3076 KiB  
Article
Rational Design of a Fluorescent Chromophore as a Calcium Receptor via DFT and Multivariate Approaches
by Leila Narimani, Vannajan Sanghiran Lee, Yatimah Alias, Ninie Suhana Manan and Pei Meng Woi
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6248; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196248 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1439
Abstract
Computational and experimental approaches were adopted to utilize a chromophore diglycolic functionalized fluorescein derivative as a Ca2+ receptor. Fluorescein diglycolic acid (Fl-DGA, 1) was synthesized and used in multivariate determination of Ca2+ and K+. Full-structure computation shows that [...] Read more.
Computational and experimental approaches were adopted to utilize a chromophore diglycolic functionalized fluorescein derivative as a Ca2+ receptor. Fluorescein diglycolic acid (Fl-DGA, 1) was synthesized and used in multivariate determination of Ca2+ and K+. Full-structure computation shows that the complexes of 1 and Ca2+ have comparable energies regardless of additional interaction with lactone moiety. The initial formation of diglycolic-Ca2+ complex followed by macrocyclization is thermodynamically disfavored. A U-shaped pre-organized 1 allows Ca2+ to interact simultaneously with diglycolic and lactone motifs. Both motifs actively participate in Ca2+ recognition and the eleven methylene units in the undecyl arm provides excellent flexibility for reorganization and optimum interaction. Principal component analysis (PCA) of computational molecular properties reveals a simple method in evaluating motifs for cation recognition. Fragment models support full-structure results that negative charge causes significant structural changes, but do not reproduce the full extent of C-O bond breaking observed in the latter. Experimental optical responses show that 1 is selective towards Ca2+ and discriminates against K+ and Mg2+. PCA of emission intensities affords distinct clusters of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM Ca2+ and K+, and suggests applicability of this technique for simultaneous determination of cationic plant macronutrients in precision agriculture and a wide variety of other applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Analytical Chemistry)
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11 pages, 1156 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Downscaled Catalytic Colorimetric Determination of Manganese in Freshwater Using Smartphone-Based Monitoring Oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine by Periodate
by Sutasinee Apichai, Parichart Kummuntakoon, Thanawat Pattananandecha, Jakaphun Julsrigival, Kasirawat Sawangrat, Fumihiko Ogata, Naohito Kawasaki, Kate Grudpan and Chalermpong Saenjum
Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4841; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154841 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1463
Abstract
A sustainable downscaled procedure using smartphone-based colorimetric determination of manganese (Mn(II)) was developed. This novel Mn(II) determination procedure is proposed using a simple, available microwell-plate platform and a smartphone as a detector. This approach is based on the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by [...] Read more.
A sustainable downscaled procedure using smartphone-based colorimetric determination of manganese (Mn(II)) was developed. This novel Mn(II) determination procedure is proposed using a simple, available microwell-plate platform and a smartphone as a detector. This approach is based on the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by periodate using Mn(II) as a catalyst. The catalytic kinetics of Mn(II) under different conditions was investigated to determine the optimum condition where the different catalytic activities of various concentrations of Mn(II) evince. Under the optimum condition, the bluish-green product of oxidized TMB, proportioned to the concentration of Mn(II), was monitored using a smartphone camera, and the color signals were processed using ImageJ Software. The developed procedure showed great selectivity and sensitivity as linearity ranged from 1.8 × 10−6 to 4.6 × 10−5 M (0.1 to 2.5 μg/mL). The limits of detection and quantitation were 3.6 × 10−6 and 1.1 × 10−5 M (0.2 and 0.6 μg/mL), respectively. The determination of Mn(II) in freshwater samples was demonstrated to assess environmental water quality as an initial model to more easily promote water management according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). The intensity of the red could be successfully applied to evaluate Mn(II) in canals and river water with no significant differences compared with the reference method of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry at a confidence level of 95%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Analytical Chemistry)
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25 pages, 3359 KiB  
Article
Determination of Odor Air Quality Index (OAQII) Using Gas Sensor Matrix
by Dominik Dobrzyniewski, Bartosz Szulczyński and Jacek Gębicki
Molecules 2022, 27(13), 4180; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134180 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1678
Abstract
This article presents a new way to determine odor nuisance based on the proposed odor air quality index (OAQII), using an instrumental method. This indicator relates the most important odor features, such as intensity, hedonic tone and [...] Read more.
This article presents a new way to determine odor nuisance based on the proposed odor air quality index (OAQII), using an instrumental method. This indicator relates the most important odor features, such as intensity, hedonic tone and odor concentration. The research was conducted at the compost screening yard of the municipal treatment plant in Central Poland, on which a self-constructed gas sensor array was placed. It consisted of five commercially available gas sensors: three metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) chemical sensors and two electrochemical ones. To calibrate and validate the matrix, odor concentrations were determined within the composting yard using the field olfactometry technique. Five mathematical models (e.g., multiple linear regression and principal component regression) were used as calibration methods. Two methods were used to extract signals from the matrix: maximum signal values from individual sensors and the logarithm of the ratio of the maximum signal to the sensor baseline. The developed models were used to determine the predicted odor concentrations. The selection of the optimal model was based on the compatibility with olfactometric measurements, taking the mean square error as a criterion and their accordance with the proposed OAQII. For the first method of extracting signals from the matrix, the best model was characterized by RMSE equal to 8.092 and consistency in indices at the level of 0.85. In the case of the logarithmic approach, these values were 4.220 and 0.98, respectively. The obtained results allow to conclude that gas sensor arrays can be successfully used for air quality monitoring; however, the key issues are data processing and the selection of an appropriate mathematical model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Analytical Chemistry)
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11 pages, 1368 KiB  
Article
Stable Carbon Isotope Analysis of Hexachlorocyclohexanes by Liquid–Liquid Extraction Gas Chromatography Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry: Method Evaluation and Applications
by Cuiping Gao, Yunlong Wang, Yu Xia, Haixian Liu, Weiguo Cheng, Yi Xie and Yuesuo Yang
Molecules 2022, 27(9), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092874 - 30 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1315
Abstract
Compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) and enantiomer specific isotope analysis (ESIA) are powerful tools for assessing the fate of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in the environment. However, there is no systematic study on the CSIA and ESIA analysis test methods of the carbon isotopes of [...] Read more.
Compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) and enantiomer specific isotope analysis (ESIA) are powerful tools for assessing the fate of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in the environment. However, there is no systematic study on the CSIA and ESIA analysis test methods of the carbon isotopes of HCHs in water and soil environments, in particular the isotope fractionation in the pre-concentration process. We endeavored to test the compatibility of CSIA and ESIA with the liquid–liquid extraction method of HCHs in water. The results showed that there were negligible changes in the δ13C of HCHs after extraction, indicating that liquid–liquid extraction can be used as a pre-concentration method for the determination of δ13C of HCHs in water. The optimized method was validated and then applied to differentiate three HCHs from different manufacturers, to identify in situ degradation of HCHs of groundwater from a contaminated site and to resolve the carbon isotope fractionation occurring in the α-HCH oxidation by CaO2/Fe(II) Fenton system. The results showed that the same reagents from different manufacturers have different carbon isotope compositions, and different isomers from the same manufacturer also have different isotope compositions, showing useful evidence in identifying the source of HCHs. The more enriched δ13C in the down-gradient wells indicated that HCHs have undergone biodegradation or/and chemical reactions in the groundwater system of the site. Carbon isotopic enrichment factors (εC) of −1.90 ± 0.10‰ were obtained in the oxidation process. Hence, the method validated in this study has great potential as a method for identifying the degradation of HCHs in a water environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Analytical Chemistry)
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10 pages, 652 KiB  
Article
A Robust Flow-Based System for the Spectrophotometric Determination of Cr(VI) in Recreational Waters
by Tânia C. F. Ribas, Raquel B. R. Mesquita, Ana Machado, Joana L. A. Miranda, Graham Marshall, Adriano Bordalo and António O. S. S. Rangel
Molecules 2022, 27(7), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27072073 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1572
Abstract
A flow-based method for the spectrophotometric determination of chromium (VI) in recreational waters with different salinities was developed. Chromium can occur in the environment in different oxidation states with different related physiological properties. With regard to chromium, the speciation is particularly important, as [...] Read more.
A flow-based method for the spectrophotometric determination of chromium (VI) in recreational waters with different salinities was developed. Chromium can occur in the environment in different oxidation states with different related physiological properties. With regard to chromium, the speciation is particularly important, as the hexavalent chromium is considered to be carcinogenic. To achieve that purpose, the use of the diphenylcarbazide (DPC) selective colored reaction with the hexavalent chromium was the chosen strategy. The main objective was to develop a direct and simple spectrophotometric method that could cope with the analysis of different types of environmental waters, within different salinity ranges (fresh to marine waters). The potential interference of metal ions, that can usually be present in environmental waters, was assessed and no significant interferences were observed (<10%). For a complete Cr(VI) determination (three replicas) cycle, the corresponding reagents consumption was 75 µg of DPC, 9 mg of ethanol and 54 mg of sulfuric acid. Each cycle takes about 5 min, including the system clean-up. The limit of detection was 6.9 and 12.2 µg L−1 for waters with low and high salt content, respectively. The method was applied for the quantification of chromium (VI) in both fresh and marine water, and the results were in agreement with the reference procedure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Environmental Analytical Chemistry)
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