Advances in Pretreatment Sample and Applications of Selective Material for Sample Treatment in the Analysis of Benzene, Phenol, Hydroquinone, and Catechol in Biological and Environmental Samples

Benzene (Bz), phenol (Phen), hydroquinone (HQ), and catechol (CAT) are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (monoaromatic compounds) considered environmental contaminants as a consequence of human and industrial activities. Prolonged exposure affects human health, causing cancer and death. Researchers have developed and applied analytical methodologies in pretreatment samples and detection techniques to analyze these monoaromatic compounds at trace and ultra-trace concentration levels. The present study is focused on an in-depth review and comparative analysis of removal and extraction techniques, summarizing the sources (analytical matrix), interaction modes (analyte-sorbent) in extraction techniques, solid phase extraction (SPE), dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE), magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE), and microextraction techniques), and the determination methods (chromatographic and non-chromatographic) applied in the analysis of these monoaromatic compounds in complex matrices.