Estimation of figures of merit using univariate statistics for quantitative second-order multivariate curve resolution

In this study, a straightforward approach is proposed for determining the figures of merit in multivariate curve resolution. The method is based on the recovery of the pure response profiles of the analytes after a curve resolution procedure. Figures of merit such as limit of detection, sensitivity, precision and accuracy are estimated from these pure analyte responses using univariate statistics directly from a calibration graph, as usual in univariate calibration. Examples of the calculation of the figures of merit in the determination of triphenyltin in synthetic and natural sea water samples by using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence are given. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.