Chapter 9: Green Chromatography: State-of-the-art, Opportunities and Future Perspectives

It is well known that chromatographic procedures could have a significant impact on the environment if laboratory practice is not in line with the principles of green analytical chemistry (GAC). However, chromatographic techniques have the potential to be greener in all steps of the analysis. The approaches used to make chromatographic separations greener differ depending on the type of chromatographic method. This chapter considers the ways in which chromatography can become greener. Liquid and gas chromatography are compared from the GAC point of view. In addition, the importance of miniaturization in sample preparation and chromatographic separations is pointed out. On-line process analysers and portable chromatographs are also discussed.