A new means for assessing analytical protocols relating to green analytical chemistry attributes has been developed. The new tool, called GAPI (Green Analytical Procedure Index), evaluates the green ...character of an entire analytical methodology, from sample collection to final determination, and was created using such tools as the National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) or Analytical Eco-Scale to provide not only general but also qualitative information. In GAPI, a specific symbol with five pentagrams can be used to evaluate and quantify the environmental impact involved in each step of an analytical methodology, mainly from green through yellow to red depicting low, medium to high impact, respectively. The proposed tool was used to evaluate analytical procedures applied in the determination of biogenic amines in wine samples, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon determination by EPA methods. GAPI tool not only provides an immediately perceptible perspective to the user/reader but also offers exhaustive information on evaluated procedures.
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•The new tool for assessment of green character of analytical procedure is introduced.•Green Analytical Procedure Index presents information on whole analytical procedure.•The visual presentation of GAPI allows for an at-a-glance comparison of several methods.•The proposed GAPI can be a good semi-quantitative tool for laboratory practice and educational purposes.•GAPI clearly and evidently indicates the weakest points in analytical procedures.
•12 green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles are proposed.•Condensed green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles as mnemonic SIGNIFICANCE.•The key components of green analysis are discussed.
The ...current rapid development of green analytical chemistry (GAC) requires clear, concise guidelines in the form of GAC principles that will be helpful in greening laboratory practices. The existing principles of green chemistry and green engineering need revision for their use in GAC because they do not fully meet the needs of analytical chemistry.
In this article we propose a set of 12 principles consisting of known concepts (i.e. reduction in the use of reagents and energy, and elimination of waste, risk and hazard) together with some new ideas (i.e. the use of natural reagents), which will be important for the future of GAC.
Electrochemical calibration curves recorded at enzyme-modified micro- or nanoelectrodes are often quantitatively analysed using graphical approaches. In this case the information is directly derived ...from the calibration curve using a frequent practice although it is rooted on extrapolating the procedures valid when the enzymes as well as their substrate and cofactors are homogeneously distributed in a solution. Here, using a simple but highly representative model we demonstrate that this practice yields incorrect interpretation of the experimental results even for simple Michaelis-Menten mechanisms. This model makes it possible to establish correct relationships linking calibration currents and bulk substrate concentrations by a simple method allowing to account for the biases due to diffusional constraints.
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