Extraction Methods for Environmental Analysis

Increasingly strict environmental regulations require the development of new methods for analysis of environmental samples. In recent years a number of new sample preparation techniques have been developed which reduce or eliminate the need for toxic organic solvents in analytical methods. The techniques that include supercritical fluid extraction, (SFE), solid-phase microextraction (SPME), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), sonication extraction and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) represent the alternatives to the traditional Soxhlet extraction. This book is intended to provide practical information and a comparison of these methods when applied to environmental samples. The idea of describing and comparing all these methods in a single volume written by one author is most welcome. The reader will not find much theoretical description of these methods. Although the key factors determining, for example, the rates in SFE and ASE processes are mentioned, the inclusion of some of the recent models of extraction would be helpful. The use of basic chemical structures for the numerous analytes extracted from the environmental matrices would also be useful. The bar charts used in the book provide a good comparison of the different techniques or samples although I found this approach somewhat destructive when used extensively. On the brighter side, the book has a detailed chemical index in addition to the general index; it also contains some experimental extraction protocols as well as comparison of all the extraction techniques presented in a readily understood tabular form. The book has some useful references and a number of helpful tables. The author, who has edited a successful book on the use of supercritical fluids in industrial analysis, some years ago, has managed to provide a balanced view of all the discussed methods. In summary, the author has done a good job by presenting and comparing modern extraction techniques with the focus on their use in environmental analysis. Analytical chemists involved in the analysis of environmental samples will find this book a good starting point. The book could also form a basis for training analysts studying separation methods, as well as for teachers and students practicing not only analytical courses but also courses on “green chemistry”, thus contributing to the efforts of the environmental protection.

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