Use of advanced analytical methods for the investigation of real world samples, with focus on eco-sustainable approaches

My research work, during the Ph.D. course, has been focused mainly on the development of advanced and innovative chromatographic techniques as an alternative to traditional liquid chromatographic techniques for complex sample analysis. In particular, the present thesis focused on the development of sustainable analytical approaches that reduce or eliminate the use of organic solvents in order to minimize the production of waste, and ensure the safety of the operator and the environment. Also, the level of toxic contaminants and essential molecules in the waste products of fishery industry was evaluated for the production of dietary supplements for human consumption, enhancing the concept of recycling, in accordance with a circular economy theory or, specifically, with the concept of Blue Economy. The techniques employed in this thesis were: hand-portable capillary liquid chromatography (Cap-LC), high temperature liquid chromatography (HTLC) or superheated water chromatography (SHWC), and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The developed methods have been applied to food, cosmetic and forensic samples (tuna, candy, blush and inflorescence of cannabis). Advanced technologies, including a prototype system, namely the HTLC instrumental setup, combined with the innovative analytical approaches enabled the obtainment of satisfactory results for the identification of target analytes, often fulfilling the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry: on-site analyses, miniaturization, and use of green solvents, multianalyte methods and high sample throughput.