Immunochemical applications in environmental science.

Immunochemical methods are based on selective antibodies combining with a particular target analyte or analyte group. The specific binding between antibody and analyte can be used to detect environmental contaminants in a variety of sample matrixes. Immunoassay methods provide cost-effective, sensitive, and selective analyses for many compounds of environmental and human health concern. Immunoaffinity chromatography methods have been integrated with chromatographic methods and are also being used as efficient sample preparations prior to immunochemical or instrumental detection. Immunosensors show promise in obtaining rapid online analyses. These and other advancements in immunochemical methods continue the expansion of their role from field screening methods to highly quantitative procedures that can be easily integrated into the environmental analytical laboratory.