Fingerprint of PGI Mantova Cucumis melo by ICP-MS and Chemometric Analysis

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In this work, yellow and green variety of Cucumis melo fruits belonging to different cultivars were studied. In detail, three Sicilian cultivars of winter melons tutelated by TAP (Traditional agro-alimentary products) labels were considered, whereas asun protected brand the Calabrian winter melon was studied too. With the aim to compare the selective uptakes of inorganic elements among winter and summer fruits, the “PGI Melone Mantovano” was investigated. The purpose of this work was to apply the obtained results i) to guarantee the quality and healthiness of fruits, ii) to producers defend, iii) to helpful the customers in food safe purchase. Method: All samples were analyzed by ICP-MS and the obtained results, subsequently, were subjected to Cluster analysis (CA), Principal component analysis (PCA) and Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). Results: CA results were generally in agreement with samples origin, whereas the PCA elaboration has confirmed the presence of a strong relation between fruit origins and trace element contents. In particular, two principal components justified the 57.32% of the total variance (PC1= 40.95%, PC2= 16.37%). Finally, the CDA approach has provided several functions with high discrimination power, such as confirmed by the correct classification of all samples (100%). Conclusions: CA, PCA and CDA could be represent an integrated too label to discriminate the origin of agri-foods products and, thus, protect and guarantee their healthiness.

Multivariate Statistics, Mineralogy, and Radiological Hazards Assessment Due to the Natural Radioactivity Content in Pyroclastic Products from Mt. Etna, Sicily, Southern Italy

“…In particular, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) elaboration was run in order to develop an exploratory method useful to reduce the data dimensionality, investigate the correlation degrees among the original variables (Pearson correlation analysis), and identify the principal components (PCs) able to explain the highest values of the sample variability [ 43 ]. In order to verify the suitability of the data for factor analysis, the measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity were carried out.…”

Evaluation of the Radiological and Chemical Risk for Public Health from Flour Sample Investigation

“…Consumers have an increasing interest towards safe foodstuffs and protection [15,16]. For this reason, studies focused on food authenticity and traceability are in constant increase to preserve costumers against fraud and commercial disputes [17].…”