The controversial aspects of peak height vs. peak area measurements in ETAAS

Analytical parameters such as precision, sensitivity (the characteristic ma ss and the detection limit), signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and accuracy of re sults obtained by peak area and peak height measurements are compared for m etals of different volatility. The use of peak height measurements has defi nite advantages for the determination of the analyte at concentrations clos e to the detection limit and this effect is more significant for more refra ctory elements, e.g,, platinum. Therefore, it is often used in routine trac e analysis.