Applications of capillary electrophoresis and capillary electro-chromatography in the detection of pesticide residues

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and capillary electrochromatography (CEC) have some outstanding advantages, such as less sample consumption and high separation efficiency. Coupled with different detection modes, such as ultraviolet detection, laser-induced fluorescence, amperometry, conductometry, mass spectrometry, and various sample preconcentration methods, CE and CEC have been accepted by more and more analysts in the detections of pesticide residues. This review focuses on the comparison of the merits and demerits of various detection modes in pesticide residue detections. The preconcentration methods of pesticide residues have been discussed briefly also. Special attention has been paid on the separation and detection of enantiomeric pesticide compounds. Expectation on the applications of CE and CEC is also outlined.