Micro(Nano)plastic analysis: a green and sustainable perspective

Within the last years aspects such as green, eco-friendly and sustainable are making their way into analytical chemistry. The field has changed with the introduction of these concepts. Information on the consumption of toxic solvents and energy is now a part of everyday life. This green analytical chemistry could be playing a pioneering role in the analysis of micro(nano)plastics in the environment. We discuss the roles of green analytical and sustainability within micro(nano) plastics determination and its possible applications. We explain its many advantages, like their function to preserve the environment and operator health or their role in the so-called eco-friendly methodologies, but we also highlight points such as an efficiency in the determination that should be viewed critically. Finally, we describe how micro(nano)plastics analysis is implementing the green analytical chemistry and the challenges faced.

Automated summary

In recent years, concepts such as green, eco-friendly, and sustainable have entered into analytical chemistry, playing a significant role in the analysis of micro(nano)plastics in the environment. Green analytical chemistry benefits environmental preservation and operator health, but the efficiency of determination should be viewed critically.