Advanced Optical and Nanomaterial-Based Analytical Strategies for Environmental Monitoring

Environmental analytical chemistry is central to addressing contamination arising from industrial activity, agriculture, urbanization and emerging pollutants. The increasing complexity of environmental, food and biological matrices requires analytical methodologies that are rapid, sensitive, selective, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Recent advances in optical spectroscopy, functional nanomaterials and sensor technologies, including fluorescent nanomaterials, plasmonic nanoparticles, metal–organic frameworks, quantum dots and hybrid sensing platforms, have improved trace-level detection while supporting miniaturization, portability and greener analytical workflows. However, challenges remain regarding selectivity in complex matrices, matrix effects, method validation, reproducibility, real-world applicability and the translation of advanced sensing platforms into reliable environmental monitoring tools. Further research is therefore needed to connect material and sensor innovation with robust analytical performance, sustainable sample preparation and practical applications in environmental protection and public health.This Research Topic aims to bring together innovative analytical strategies for environmental monitoring, with particular emphasis on optical sensing, nanotechnology and Green Analytical Chemistry. It will highlight interdisciplinary approaches integrating analytical chemistry, nanoscience, environmental science and materials chemistry for the detection, quantification and monitoring of contaminants in real environmental, food and biological samples. Contributions should address the central themes of analytical sensitivity, sustainability and real-sample applicability, while considering method validation, selectivity, portability, reproducibility and environmental relevance. The Research Topic will also encourage research that connects advanced sensing platforms with environmental risk assessment and supports the development of practical tools for monitoring contaminants in complex matrices.To gather further insights into advanced optical, nanomaterial-based and sustainable analytical strategies for environmental monitoring, this Research Topic welcomes contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Fluorescence and molecular spectroscopy for environmental analysis• Optical sensing technologies and chemical sensors• Fluorescent, plasmonic and other nanomaterial-based analytical methods• Metal–organic frameworks, quantum dots and carbon-based nanomaterials• Surface-enhanced fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy• Biosensors and portable or field-deployable analytical devices• Green analytical chemistry and sustainable sample preparation• Preconcentration, extraction and separation strategies for trace analysis• Water and wastewater quality monitoring• Soil and air contamination assessment• Detection of heavy metals and metalloids• Monitoring of pesticides and pharmaceutical residues• PFAS and other emerging contaminants• Tobacco-related pollutants and contaminants associated with alternative nicotine products• Chemometrics, data analysis and artificial intelligence in analytical chemistry• Method validation, quality assurance and analysis of real environmental samples• Environmental exposure and risk assessment based on analytical measurementsArticle types: Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Perspectives and Methods. Topic editors: Anele Mpupa, Maria Carolina Talio Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85223/advanced-optical-and-nanomaterial-based-analytical-strategies-for-environmental-monitoring