Analytical methods for antifouling booster biocides determination in environmental matrices: A review

•Several methods for ABBs analysis in environmental matrices are described.•There is no standardization of analytical methods for ABBs determination.•The analytical methods used for biota determination are those employed in sediment analysis.•An information update is needed to further standardize methods for ABB metabolites. Since the discovery of their toxicity to aquatic environments, antifouling booster biocides (ABBs) have been widely researched and detected at trace levels in diverse environmental compartments including water, sediment, and, less frequently, biota. Hence, the reliable assessment of environmental risks posed by ABBs requires the development of analytical methods sufficiently robust, accurate, and precise for the simultaneous trace-level determination of ABBs. Herein, we summarize outstanding sample preparation procedures for the analysis of main ABBs in environmental matrices, describing techniques ranging from traditional extraction methods to novel miniaturized and micro-extraction ones, which have recently received much attention due to their reduced number of steps, low operational cost, and greater respect for the environment. The main applied chromatographic-based methods coupled to different detection techniques are also addressed. Despite the recent development of numerous ABBs determination methods, this topic continues to draw attention because of the lack of standardization among methods, despite legislation set up maximum standards levels for selected ABBs, and the need to monitor ABB transformation products for a reliable ecological risk assessment.