Integration of immunochemical methods with other analytical techniques for pesticide residue determination

The growing volume of literature concerning immunoassay analysis for trace levels of agrochemicals and other low molecular weight contaminants in various matrixes is indicative of the tremendous interest in and utility of this analytical technique. Most immunoassay methods described in the literature analyze compounds directly, for example, a herbicide in water, or involve solvent exchange of an organic sample extract or dilution of an aqueous-based sample to minimize the matrix effect. As immunoassay for small molecules becomes widely accepted and applied, new challenges involving more complex chemicals in more difficult matrixes arise. The integration of "classical" analytical chemistry with immunochemistry can provide new techniques and approaches useful in discovering the movement, mode of action, and ultimate impact of certain chemicals on humans and the environment.