Orthogonal array design as a chemometric method for the optimization of analytical procedures. Part 4. Mixed-level design and its application to the high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

The theory and methodology of a mixed-level orthogonal array design for the optimization of analytical procedures is described. Firstly, the method of construction of a mixed-level orthogonal array design is discussed in detail, followed by the assignment of experiments and the data analysis strategy in the design. The optimization of the parameters involved in the high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is then employed to demonstrate the practical application of the proposed mixed-level orthogonal array design in the area of analytical chemistry.