Advancing Green Analytical Chemistry Principles for Trace Metal Analysis Using Atomic Spectrometry Techniques—An Overview

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the potential harmful effects that analytical methods can have on human health and the environment. Green analytical chemistry (GAC) integrates sustainability into chemical analysis by emphasizing a reduction in waste, energy consumption, and hazardous reagents while maintaining analytical performance. This review summarizes the most recent developments in atomic spectrometry techniques used for analyzing trace metals in various types of samples. Key advances include green metrics, sampling methods, direct analysis, and instrument miniaturization. Since direct sample analysis via spectrometric methods is rarely feasible, recent developments in sample pretreatment, which align with the 12 principles of GAC, are also discussed. Passive sampling can serve as a valuable approach for conducting analyses with reduced sample pretreatment steps and overall costs, thereby addressing these concerns. Current green assessment metrics and their application in atomic spectrometry are also reviewed. This article aims to provide researchers with detailed information to improve the determination of trace metals in accordance with GAC principles.