DEVELOPMENT OF SAMPLE PREPARATION AND EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Sample preparation is a critical component of an analytical methodology for the analysis of trace concentrations of compounds in complex matrices. Given the limitations of conventional techniques, and as the concept of green chemistry becomes an overarching concern in analytical chemistry, more research efforts are now dedicated to the design, development and application of more efficient and environmentally friendlier sample preparation methods. This thesis reports the preparation and performance of several novel extraction materials, such as graphitic carbon nitride, a metal-organic framework (MIL-101(Cr)) and its derivatives. The development and automation of innovative methods involving the integration of vastly different solvent- and sorption-based extraction techniques are also described. All the newly designed sample preparation methods were optimized, validated and their performance evaluated when applied to the enrichment and subsequent chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of contaminants from genuine environmental aqueous samples.