Development of analytical methods that minimize waste, use minimal amounts of energy and solvents, and reduce the environmental impact of the analysis.
Definition of Green Chemistry: A brief introduction to the principles and objectives of green chemistry.
Analytical Techniques: An overview of various analytical techniques that can be used in green analytical chemistry, such as HPLC, GC, MS, and NMR.
Hazardous Waste Reduction: Methods to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated during the analytical process, including source reduction, process modification, and recycling.
Solvent Replacement: The use of alternative solvents, such as water or supercritical fluids, to replace traditional solvents that are toxic, flammable, or generate hazardous waste.
Energy Reduction: Strategies to reduce energy consumption during the analytical process, such as using lower temperature and pressure conditions, and implementing automation and optimization techniques.
Biomimicry: Drawing inspiration from natural systems and using them to design more sustainable chemical processes.
Life Cycle Assessment: Evaluation of the environmental impacts of a chemical product or process from cradle-to-grave, including raw material extraction, production, use, and disposal.
Design for Degradation: Development of analytical methods that promote the degradation of the target analyte or matrix component into non-toxic and biodegradable products.
Green Solvent Selection: Choosing solvents that are environmentally benign, renewable, and biodegradable.
Supramolecular Chemistry: Designing and developing supramolecular architectures to perform analytical functions with increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Renewable Resources: Use of renewable resources as a feedstock for the analytical process, including biomass, bio-based chemicals, and natural products.
Green Synthesis: The use of environmentally benign reagents and catalysts in the analytical process to reduce energy consumption and waste production.
Catalysis: The use of catalysts to promote the reaction of target analytes, which can reduce energy consumption and waste production.
Waste Management: Strategies to manage and dispose of waste generated during the analytical process, such as recycling/reuse, composting, and energy recovery.
Green Metrics: Quantitative measures to evaluate the environmental performance of a chemical process or product, such as the environmental impact factor or the EcoScale.
Solvent-free or minimized solvent methods: This involves reducing or eliminating the use of solvents in the analytical process, which results in less waste, fewer resources needed, and cost savings.
Micro-scale and minimum sample handling approaches: This involves reducing the amount of sample material needed for analysis, or using methods that require less handling and processing during the analysis.
Renewable resource or bio-based reagents: This involves substituting hazardous, non-renewable reagents with non-toxic, renewable, or bio-based alternatives.
Non-destructive or non-invasive analytical methods: This involves using analytical approaches that do not damage the sample or require its destruction, which reduces waste, allows for more precise analyses, and can help preserve precious or expensive biological or archaeological samples.
Sustainable lab practices: This includes waste reduction, energy conservation and management, and use of sustainably-sourced products and facilities.