Development of Fast, Quantitative, Selective and Bioavailability-Predictive Extraction Procedures for Determination of Halogenated POPs in Environmental Matrices

This thesis concerns the analysis of anthropogenic substances of the compound class known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Sample preparation perspectives for the analysis of POPs in the environmental matrices water, soils and sediments are presented.

This thesis features reasonably cheap and uncomplicated methodology capable of fast screening of POPs. It displays how quantitative extraction of POPs can be made in a sustainable manner and how selectivity can be increased generating faster and less solvent consuming procedures compared to common practice. Also demonstrated is the potential of how selective SFE can be used in bioavailability-predictive extractions. This fast and uncomplicated methodology is capable of generating information enhancing the quality and credibility of risk assessment procedures at contaminated sites. Furthermore, the possibility of environmental analytical chemistry of POPs becoming green chemistry is been highlighted throughout the text.