The traditional format of capillary electrophoresis is quickly being replaced by microdevice platforms in modern analyti- cal chemistry, offering improvements in cost, resolution, speed, quantitation and automation. This aspect of miniaturization is well matched with the ultimate goal of rapid screening and simultaneous detection of a large number of samples [1,2]. The miniaturization of an integrated system improves the advantages inherent to capillary electrophoresis.
Heavy metals are particularly worrisome contaminants in foods and the environment. In general, they are not biodegrad- able and they have long biological half-lives. Heavy metals have potential for accumulation in humans from various plants and other natural sources, posing serious health hazards for conditions such as renal failure, symptoms of chronic toxicity, and liver damage. According to the World Health Organization (World Health Organization, 1995), lead, cadmium, chromium, and other heavy metals must be controlled in food sources in order to assure public safety.