Capillary electrophoresis and herbicide analysis: present and future perspectives

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide an overview on the potential of the CE-herbicides binomial. To this end, the methods proposed so far are discussed: their characteristics, types of samples and analytes to which the methods have been applied, sample preparation steps, if required (e.g. cleanup-preconcentration, derivatization steps), and type of detection in each case. Also, the methods are compared with counterparts based on LC, when appropriate. The role of MS detection in present and future analytical research in this field (both for identification and quantitation) are commented. The foreseeable and desirable trends in analysis of herbicides are also outlined in the light of the present trends in metabolomics as a way of knowing the pathways, the intermediate and final degradation products that can influence the crops and the food chain of humans and other animals, as a result.

Keywords: CE; Detectors; Herbicides; Sample preparation.