Trends in flow-based analytical methods applied to pesticide detection: A review

Recent applications of flow-based analytical methods for pesticide determinations are reviewed. This review is focused on the description of electrochemical and optical flow sensors, describing the most relevant applications in this field. The different approaches employed up to date in electrochemical biosensors, together with the possible modifications in the flow methodology and the development of multiparameter flow-through optosensors have also been extensively described. Advantages, handicaps and current trends of each detection technique are critically discussed. The article ends up with a comparison between flow-based analytical methods and chromatography when applied to pesticide determination.