The increasing awareness of the environmental impact of analytical procedures has heightened the demand for sustainable methodologies. In response, the concept of White Analytical Chemistry (WAC) has been introduced to balance analytical performances, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency [1]. Emerging contaminants (ECs) are substances not yet regulated but currently under study due to potential environmental and health risks [2]. This work focuses on exploring WAC approaches to meet the challenge of determining ECs in complex matrices at ultra-trace levels. To this end, the use of a biodegradable polymeric film (Mater-Bi) was investigated for the extraction of ECs from wastewater samples [3]. A first method has been previously optimized through a design of experiments (DoE) approach, enabling the quantification of sixteen target analytes belonging to various classes—including UV filters, pharmaceuticals and additives—with satisfactory recoveries (R%), precision, and minimal ion suppression. Preliminary results also indicated the film's potential for extracting perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), although different extraction conditions were required, requiring further optimization. Therefore, a more extensive study was conducted, targeting over 60 ECs in water samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis revealed a porous structure of the film section, prompting further investigation into alternative configurations to enhance interactions with the ECs. While three setups were explored to enhance cross-sectional area, R% showed no substantial differences. Thus, a mass balance study helped identifying the steps in which the loss occurred. Notably, polar compounds showed weak interaction with the film, while PFAS were not fully desorbed during the back-extraction step. To address these challenges, two DoEs will be conducted: a Mixture Process Design to modify the material optimizing the conditioning and a quadratic model to improve back-extraction. These efforts aim to enhance R% and broaden the film’s applicability to a wider range of ECs, with a potential focus on PFAS. In conclusion, this work demonstrates the potential of Mater-Bi as a green material for ECs extraction, with further optimization improving its role in sustainable environmental monitoring.
Improving Emerging Contaminant detection using a Biodegradable Film: Bridging Sustainability and Analytical Performances
Erica Ceccardi;marina di carro;Emanuele Magi;Barbara benedetti
2025-01-01
Abstract
The increasing awareness of the environmental impact of analytical procedures has heightened the demand for sustainable methodologies. In response, the concept of White Analytical Chemistry (WAC) has been introduced to balance analytical performances, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency [1]. Emerging contaminants (ECs) are substances not yet regulated but currently under study due to potential environmental and health risks [2]. This work focuses on exploring WAC approaches to meet the challenge of determining ECs in complex matrices at ultra-trace levels. To this end, the use of a biodegradable polymeric film (Mater-Bi) was investigated for the extraction of ECs from wastewater samples [3]. A first method has been previously optimized through a design of experiments (DoE) approach, enabling the quantification of sixteen target analytes belonging to various classes—including UV filters, pharmaceuticals and additives—with satisfactory recoveries (R%), precision, and minimal ion suppression. Preliminary results also indicated the film's potential for extracting perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), although different extraction conditions were required, requiring further optimization. Therefore, a more extensive study was conducted, targeting over 60 ECs in water samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis revealed a porous structure of the film section, prompting further investigation into alternative configurations to enhance interactions with the ECs. While three setups were explored to enhance cross-sectional area, R% showed no substantial differences. Thus, a mass balance study helped identifying the steps in which the loss occurred. Notably, polar compounds showed weak interaction with the film, while PFAS were not fully desorbed during the back-extraction step. To address these challenges, two DoEs will be conducted: a Mixture Process Design to modify the material optimizing the conditioning and a quadratic model to improve back-extraction. These efforts aim to enhance R% and broaden the film’s applicability to a wider range of ECs, with a potential focus on PFAS. In conclusion, this work demonstrates the potential of Mater-Bi as a green material for ECs extraction, with further optimization improving its role in sustainable environmental monitoring.
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