ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a keen vision on the most analytical methodologies for environmental monitoring and assessment of solid and complex samples without neglecting the conventional ones when no alternatives have been developed or they do not meet the required figures of merit. It discusses the analytical strategies that have been pursued per solid and complex environmental matrix type. Strategies for analyzing organic micropollutants in solid and complex environmental samples depend upon recently achieved analytical/instrumental breakthroughs. Sample pretreatment procedures are intended to provide concentrated target analytes in solution, isolated from the matrix, free of interferences, and ready for further instrumental analysis, therefore improving the method’s sensitivity and selectivity. Derivatization is usually incorporated into sample preparation methods to convert the analyte into a more volatile and thermally stable derivative and improve the selectivity and sensitivity for both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography techniques.
