This article critically examines the application of flow injection (FI) technology in aquatic environmental analysis. A survey of the important advances in FI technology in the past 5 years (2000–2004) is presented along with critical technological design factors and development issues including automation, preconcentration, speciation, and advanced detection methodologies. Modern environmental applications are also discussed and future perspectives on the directions of FI technology in relation to aquatic environmental analysis are considered.
Grady Hanrahan acknowledges financial support from the National Science Foundation CEA-CREST Program (no. HRD9805529).