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Novel Analytical Methods to Evaluate and Monitor the Pollutants

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 3696

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, China
Interests: chromatography; capillary electrophoresis; chemosensors; nanoanalytical chemistry; environmental analytical chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental pollution is a major global concern as it affects human health and ecosystems. Currently, there are many analytical techniques and strategies available for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of various pharmaceuticals, personal care products, heavy metals, organic compounds, micro- and nanoplastics, surfactants, and pathogens in different environments. In recent decades, rapid developments in the field of analytical instrumentation have produced sophisticated tools that can provide unique and in-depth insights into the chemical properties of various environmental matrices. Although there have been many studies on the application of analytical methods in environmental studies, technological advances, especially the combination of methods and parameters, have presented new possibilities to answer questions that until recently could not be addressed due to instrumental limitations. This Special Issue invites original research papers on the latest advances in the development of environmental analytical techniques. It will cover a wide range of topics, including the development of chemosensors, chromatography, and other environmental analytical techniques. In addition, we welcome targeted review articles examining the state of the art, identifying emerging trends, and suggesting future directions for the development of new applications in this field.

Prof. Dr. Xiupei Yang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • environmental analytical chemistry
  • contaminants
  • environmental pollution
  • chemosensors
  • chromatography
  • analytical methods
  • detection
  • analysis

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1930 KiB  
Article
Olfactometric and Chemical Characterisation of Gaseous Emission from Crude Oils
by Elisa Polvara, Vittoria Legnani, Marzio Invernizzi and Selena Sironi
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051136 - 1 Mar 2025
Viewed by 517
Abstract
This study focuses on the olfactometric and chemical characterisation of gaseous and vapour emissions from different crude oils. To investigate this topic, laboratory experiments were set up to obtain comparable gaseous samples: they were estimated in terms of odour concentration (Cod), [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the olfactometric and chemical characterisation of gaseous and vapour emissions from different crude oils. To investigate this topic, laboratory experiments were set up to obtain comparable gaseous samples: they were estimated in terms of odour concentration (Cod), via dynamic olfactometry, and chemical-specific characterisation. It was found that, even if considered similar in regard to physical properties and chemical composition, the gaseous emissions of different crude oils are significantly different in terms of odorous potential. The observed discrepancy appears to be associated with the presence of volatile organic sulphur compounds (VOSCs), and the highest values of Cod were found in samples containing mercaptans and sulphides. In addition, from the conducted comparison, it appeared that crude odorous potential, in terms of Cod, is not strictly linked to the quantity of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), H2S concentration, or a priori knowledge of the percentage of elemental sulphur in the crude; on the contrary, the presence of volatile organic sulphur compounds in the gaseous emissions is the most influential parameter for the odour potential of this matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Analytical Methods to Evaluate and Monitor the Pollutants)
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16 pages, 3375 KiB  
Article
Mastering Snow Analysis: Enhancing Sampling Techniques and Introducing ACF Extraction Method with Applications in Svalbard
by Marina Cerasa, Catia Balducci, Benedetta Giannelli Moneta, Ettore Guerriero, Maria Luisa Feo, Alessandro Bacaloni and Silvia Mosca
Molecules 2024, 29(21), 5111; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29215111 - 29 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1131
Abstract
Semi-volatile organic contaminants (SVOCs) are known for their tendency to evaporate from source regions and undergo atmospheric transport to distant areas. Cold condensation intensifies dry deposition, particle deposition, and scavenging by snow and rain, allowing SVOCs to move from the atmosphere into terrestrial [...] Read more.
Semi-volatile organic contaminants (SVOCs) are known for their tendency to evaporate from source regions and undergo atmospheric transport to distant areas. Cold condensation intensifies dry deposition, particle deposition, and scavenging by snow and rain, allowing SVOCs to move from the atmosphere into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in alpine and polar regions. However, no standardized methods exist for the sampling, laboratory processing, and instrumental analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in snow. The lack of reference methods makes these steps highly variable and prone to errors. This study critically reviews the existing literature to highlight the key challenges in the sampling phase, aiming to develop a reliable, consistent, and easily reproducible technique. The goal is to simplify this crucial step of the analysis, allowing data to be shared more effectively through standardized methods, minimizing errors. Additionally, an innovative method for laboratory processing is introduced, which uses activated carbon fibers (ACFs) as adsorbents, streamlining the analysis process. The extraction method is applied to analyze polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides (α-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, HCB, and PeCB). The entire procedure, from sampling to instrumental analysis, is subsequently tested on snow samples collected on the Svalbard Islands. To validate the efficiency of the new extraction system, quality control measures based on the EPA methods 1668B and 1699 for aqueous methods are employed. This study presents a new, reliable method that covers both sampling and lab analysis, tailored for detecting POPs in snow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Analytical Methods to Evaluate and Monitor the Pollutants)
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Review

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41 pages, 3280 KiB  
Review
A Review of Recent Developments in Analytical Methods for Determination of Phosphorus from Environmental Samples
by Tumelo M. Mogashane, Odwa Mapazi, Moshalagae A. Motlatle, Lebohang Mokoena and James Tshilongo
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051001 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1277
Abstract
Phosphorus is essential to environmental systems because it affects both agricultural productivity and ecological balance. Since it contributes to eutrophication and pollution problems, its existence in a variety of environmental matrices, including soil, water, and air, necessitates precise and effective determination methods for [...] Read more.
Phosphorus is essential to environmental systems because it affects both agricultural productivity and ecological balance. Since it contributes to eutrophication and pollution problems, its existence in a variety of environmental matrices, including soil, water, and air, necessitates precise and effective determination methods for monitoring and managing its levels. This review paper provides an extensive overview of the latest advancements in analytical techniques for measuring phosphorus in environmental samples. We investigate sophisticated spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical techniques in addition to conventional approaches like colorimetric analysis. Innovative techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are also highlighted in this study, along with newly developed technologies such as biosensors, lab-on-a-chip devices, and nanotechnology-based techniques. Real-time and field-deployable monitoring technologies are also covered, with a focus on their advantages and usefulness. Among the techniques reviewed, XRF and colorimetry methods have proven to be the most reliable due to their precision, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability for different sample matrices. While emerging spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques offer promising alternatives, further validation and standardization are needed for routine environmental monitoring. Future research should focus on integrating automated and high-throughput techniques to enhance monitoring capabilities further. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Analytical Methods to Evaluate and Monitor the Pollutants)
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