Thermal analysis as a tool for the environmental assessment of agricultural chemical residues: a systematic review

Abstract

This review investigates the use of thermal analysis (TA) methods for the assessment of agricultural chemical residues. It also focuses on the use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential TA (DTA) to evaluate the thermal characteristics and degradation products of such residues. An extensive literature review was conducted in scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies published between 2000 and 2023. This review also highlights the success of TA in the detection of residue composition and stability as well as the potential hazards posed to the environment. The findings of this review demonstrate that TA methods offer valuable information on the thermal stability and degradation profiles of several agricultural chemicals and are therefore useful in assessing the long-term environmental impact of such chemicals. The discussion majorly revolves around the advantages of thermal techniques over conventional chemical techniques, such as their ability to analyze complex mixtures with minimal sample preparation. Overall, this review finds that TA is a valuable tool for environmental monitoring to help improve sustainable agricultural practices through better management and understanding of chemical residues in the environment.