Application of deep eutectic solvents in atomic absorption spectrometry

Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is a widely applied technique for metal quantification due to its practicality, easy use and low cost. However, to improve the metrological characteristics of AAS, in particular the sensitivity and the detection limit, sample pretreatment is commonly used before the detection step itself. In consideration of the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry, new solvents are being introduced into analytical practice. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are often employed in the sample preparation prior to AAS due to their unique properties. This article deals with the potential of DES for the separation of metals and metalloids followed by AAS quantification. The primary focus is on DES employed in various liquid–liquid microextraction procedures, such UA-LPME, VA-LPME and DLLME; however, examples of less frequently occurring combinations are also presented. We believe that this review can be useful for readers as a starting point for future research in the field of DESs and their application in AAS.