Title: Developments in
analytical chemistry initiated from green chemistry
Author: Mihkel Koel
Journal: Sustainable
Chemistry for the Environment, 2024
1. Overview
and Context :
This
comprehensive review article examines the significant impact of green chemistry
principles on the field of analytical chemistry over the past quarter-century.
Published in 2024, it provides a timely reflection on how sustainability
considerations have shaped and continue to influence analytical methods and
practices. The author, Mihkel Koel, presents a well-structured argument for the
increasing integration of green chemistry concepts into analytical procedures,
highlighting both progress made and challenges that remain.
2. Detailed
Content Analysis :
2.1 Introduction
and Historical Context :
The
article begins by establishing the crucial role of analytical chemistry in
providing quantitative data for chemical systems and theories. It traces the
origins of green analytical chemistry to the late 1990s, noting the exponential
growth in publications on this topic since then. This historical perspective
effectively sets the stage for understanding the evolution of green practices
in analytical chemistry.
2.2
Resources in Analytical Chemistry:
A
significant portion of the article is devoted to discussing the resources used
in analytical chemistry and how green chemistry principles are affecting their
use :
- Solvents:
The author highlights the environmental and economic impact of solvent use in
analytical procedures. He discusses the trend towards using more
environmentally friendly solvents and the challenges in finding suitable
replacements for traditional organic solvents.
- Energy:
The article emphasizes the importance of reducing energy consumption in
analytical processes. It outlines three approaches to decrease energy use:
practical (efficient instruments), administrative (training), and technological
(new, energy-efficient methods).
- Materials:
The review touches on the development of new materials, including smart
materials and nanomaterials, for use in analytical chemistry. It raises
important points about the need for life cycle analysis (LCA) of these
materials to ensure their overall sustainability.
2.3
Quality-by-Design (QbD) and Fitness-for-Purpose:
The
article introduces the concept of Quality-by-Design (QbD) and its application
in analytical chemistry. This approach, which originated in the pharmaceutical
industry, is presented as a systematic way to develop analytical methods that
are both high-performing and environmentally friendly. The author argues that
integrating green chemistry principles into QbD can lead to more sustainable
analytical practices.
2.4
Instrumental Analysis and Miniaturization:
A
significant section is devoted to discussing trends in instrumental analysis:
- The
author notes the shift from wet chemistry to instrumental methods, which often
allows for reduced chemical use and waste generation.
- The
trend towards miniaturization and simplification of analytical methods is
highlighted, with examples such as paper-based and smartphone-based analytical
devices.
- The
concept of "fitness-for-purpose" in selecting analytical instruments
is discussed, emphasizing that the most sophisticated instrument is not always
necessary or the most environmentally friendly choice.
2.5
Chemometrics and Data Analysis:
The
article emphasizes the role of chemometrics in green analytical chemistry. It
argues that mathematical and statistical methods can often replace chemical
processing steps, thereby reducing waste and improving efficiency. This section
effectively illustrates how advancements in data analysis can contribute to
greener analytical practices.
2.6
Assessment of Greenness:
The
review discusses various metrics and tools developed to assess the
"greenness" of analytical procedures. It mentions several systems
such as the Analytical Greenness Calculator (AGREE), the National Environmental
Methods Index (NEMI), and others. This section provides valuable information
for researchers looking to evaluate and improve the environmental impact of
their analytical methods.
3. Critical
Analysis:
Strengths:
- Comprehensive
coverage: The article provides a broad overview of how green chemistry
principles have influenced various aspects of analytical chemistry.
- Interdisciplinary
approach: It effectively links concepts from green chemistry, analytical
chemistry, and even engineering and data science.
- Future-oriented:
The review not only covers past and current developments but also points to
future directions and challenges in the field.
- Balanced
perspective: The author acknowledges both the progress made and the challenges
that remain in implementing green chemistry principles in analytical practices.
Limitations:
- Lack
of specific case studies: While the article provides a good overview, it could
benefit from more detailed examples of successful implementation of green
analytical methods.
- Limited
quantitative data: More numerical data on the environmental and economic
benefits of green analytical chemistry could strengthen the arguments
presented.
- Depth
vs. Breadth: In covering such a wide range of topics, some areas might not be
explored in as much depth as specialists in those particular subfields might
desire.
4. Relevance
and Impact:
This
article is highly relevant to researchers, educators, and practitioners in
analytical chemistry. It provides a valuable resource for understanding the
current state of green analytical chemistry and identifying areas for future
research and development. The review could inform policy decisions and research
funding priorities in the field of sustainable chemistry.
5. Conclusion:
Mihkel
Koel's article "Developments in analytical chemistry initiated from green
chemistry" offers a comprehensive and insightful review of how
sustainability considerations are reshaping analytical chemistry. It
effectively demonstrates that green chemistry principles are increasingly
influencing analytical practices, leading to more environmentally friendly and
efficient methods. The article highlights ongoing challenges and opportunities,
suggesting that the trend towards greener analytical chemistry is likely to
continue and expand.
This review serves as an important contribution to the literature on sustainable chemistry, providing a thorough overview of the intersection between green chemistry and analytical chemistry. It should prove valuable for anyone seeking to understand or contribute to the ongoing evolution of analytical chemistry towards more sustainable practices.
