Search

For many years, an extensive array of chemometric methods have provided a platform upon which a quantitative description of environmental conditions can be obtained. Applying chemometric methods to environmental data allows us to identify and describe the interrelations between certain environmental drivers. They also provide an insight into the interrelationships between these drivers and afford us a greater understanding of the potential impact that these drivers can place upon the environment. However, an effective marriage of these two systems has not been performed. Therefore, it is the aim of this review to highlight the advantages of using chemometrics and sensors to identify hidden trends in environmental parameters, which allow the state of the environment to be effectively monitored. Despite the combination of chemometrics and sensors, to capture new developments and applications in the field of environmental sciences, these methods have not been extensively used. Importantly, although different parameters and monitoring procedures are required for different environments (e.g., air, water, soil), they are not distinct, separate entities. Contemporary developments in the use of chemometrics afford us the ability to predict changes in different aspects of the environment using instrumental methods. This review also provides an insight into the prevailing trends and the future of environmental sensing, highlighting that chemometrics can be used to enhance our ability to monitor the environment. This enhanced ability to monitor environmental conditions and to predict trends would be beneficial to government and research agencies in their ability to develop environmental policies and analysis procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of chemical structure and environmental variables on biodegradability are discussed with emphasis on generalizations. A review of examples from high-volume existing chemicals that illustrate biodegradability design principles is presented.

The current methods and future possibilities for obtaining transportation fuels from biomass are discussed by including not only the chemistry and catalysis involved in the process but also engineering solutions and challenges as they have an important impact on the global process. The European Union (EU) is ready to support research on biomass to energy conversion processes, the bio-refinery concept to find valuable uses for all parts of the plant and second-generation biofuels for improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.