Comparison of theoretical and experimental limits of detection in atomic absorption spectrometry using air-acetylene and nitrous oxide-acetylene flames

Limits of detection have been calculated for the air-acetylene and nitrous oxide-acetylene flames used in atomic absorption spectrometry using the theoretical treatment developed by Winefordner. Values for the parameters were chosen for these calculations to give the lowest possible limits of detection. These calculated values have been compared with experimentally determined limits of detection. Values of the atom fraction, β, are also estimated by means of this comparison. The values for the air-acetylene flame are in fair agreement; however, the comparison of the nitrous oxide flame showed anomalous behavior. An attempt to explain this is made, as well as a general discussion of the results.