Recent developments and applications in the microextraction and separation technology of harmful substances in a complex matrix

• The application of microextraction and separation technology for harmful substances in complex matrices is reviewed. • The extraction and detection methods of harmful substances in food, herbs and soil were investigated. • The advantages and disadvantages of various detection and analysis technologies are described. • Microextraction technology, separation technology, commonly used equipment and sample preparation methods are described. This review focuses on the microextraction and determination methods of harmful substances in various complex matrices in food, herbal plants, and soil since 2011. The general characteristics of different microextraction and detection methods are introduced and compared, and some novel development and application examples are listed to show their potential in the analysis of harmful substances in complex matrices. In many cases, preliminary steps of analyte enrichment/separation are required before an analysis. Microextractions such as matrix solid-phase dispersion microextraction, headspace solid-phase microextraction, dispersive micro-solid phase extraction, etc., are considered to be a green extraction method that conforms to the principle of sustainable development and has therefore received extensive attention. In addition, common analytical methods for detecting harmful substances in various matrices are discussed, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry. This paper provides support and demonstration for the development of new microextraction and determination methods for harmful substances in food, herbal plants, and soil.