Education in green and white analytical chemistry as a driver of the democratization of separation science: opportunities and limits

The rapid evolution of analytical separation science has produced highly sophisticated instrumentation; however, access remains largely confined to specialized laboratories. Education in Green and White Analytical Chemistry (GAC/WAC) can enable citizen analytical chemistry (ZAC), a paradigm that democratizes chemical measurement by broadening access to both instrumentation and knowledge. By integrating GAC/WAC principles with open-source hardware, low-cost sensors, additive manufacturing, and portable systems, a framework for designing sustainable, accessible, and fit-for purpose analytical methods can be outlined. Educational practices rooted in sustainability and practicality naturally promote the development of do-it-yourself (DIY) tools, including smartphone colorimetry, paper-based devices, and low-cost electrochemical and separation systems. This approach shifts the focus from performance alone to include participation, inclusivity, and knowledge sharing. At the same time, limitations—especially for complex techniques such as HPLC—remain, as these methods are difficult to democratize due to cost and technical constraints. Overall, education is positioned as a key driver of a transition from centralized, expert driven analysis to distributed, participatory chemical measurement, thereby supporting sustainability, environmental monitoring, and public engagement.