Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Applications and New Trends for Environmental Matrices Analysis

Since its introduction, ambient mass spectrometry methods have been demonstrated as potential approaches for a rapid and sensitive analysis of many compounds in complex matrices with a minimum or no sample preparation step performed. Some of these methods include low-cost devices and in situ methodologies that are included in the new trend of green analytical chemistry. The application of ambient methods for environmental analysis has been reported in the last decades for qualitative and quantitative analysis. This study aims to contribute with an overview of the 2016 to 2021 period of ambient mass spectrometry methods for applications in environmental analysis. In this context, this review reports especially applications for qualitative and quantitative analysis of contaminants using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), direct analysis in real-time (DART), paper spray ionization (PSI), and extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) methods.