Abstract The Carbon Preference Index (CPI) is a molecular ratio often used to assign the biological source and maturity of organic matter. This parameter is frequently employed in paleoenvironmental studies and archaeological applications. In this paper, we have evaluated the different results for this index using peak areas or concentrations from calibration curves. For this purpose, plant reference samples (Celtis Australis L.) and sediments from two archaeological sites were analysed. The results show that the values obtained depend on the method employed and, thus, interpretations may differ significantly. Consequently, the method used must be clearly stated in each particular application and results can only be compared when using the same protocol.

中文翻译：

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评估计算碳偏好指数 (CPI) 的不同方法：对古生态和考古研究的影响

摘要 碳偏好指数（CPI）是一个分子比值，常用于确定有机质的生物来源和成熟度。该参数经常用于古环境研究和考古应用。在本文中，我们使用校准曲线的峰面积或浓度评估了该指数的不同结果。为此，对来自两个考古遗址的植物参考样品 (Celtis Australis L.) 和沉积物进行了分析。结果表明，获得的值取决于所采用的方法，因此，解释可能会有很大差异。因此，必须在每个特定应用中明确说明所使用的方法，并且只有在使用相同协议时才能比较结果。