Integrated SPE-Self assembled MEPS platform for ultrasensitive determination of mononitrophenols in water: Experimental, computational and applicability studies

•Novel integrated analytical approach, using two preconcentration techniques: SPE and MEPS, for trace analysis in water.•The use of two economic and easily available adsorbents i.e. chitin and cellulose acetate (in the form of cigarette filter).•Computational and empirical interaction profiling to provide insights into the possible adsorbent-analytes interactions.•Improved control over lower scalability range (0.055ng/mL) with better detection limits up to ppt levels in spiked samples.•Separations with simple high performance liquid chromatography-ultra violet detector (HPLC-UV).•Well applied to real samples.