Isotopic and multielemental fingerprinting of organically and conventionally grown potatoes

Abstract

Two marker combinations were used for the differentiation of organically produced from conventionally produced potatoes and also for the geographical origin identification. Fifty-seven samples (from Romanian local producers or imported) were analysed from the stable isotopic (isotope ratio mass spectrometry) and elemental profile (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) point of view. In order to assess the best marker combination, both isotopic and elemental experimental results were subject to chemometric analysis. The statistical tests performed were ANOVA test, Pearson correlation, principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). For a more comprehensive differentiation between organic vs. conventional potato samples, LDA was applied, and 94.7 % of original cases were correctly classified and the percentage obtained in cross-validation procedure was 91.2 %. Regarding the geographic origin classification, LDA provided an initial classification of 96.5 %, while for cross-validation the percentage was 87.7. LDA found δN, Cd, Ca, Cu and Zn as best discrimination markers between organically and conventionally grown potatoes. The strongest predictors for Romania vs. foreign geographical areas along LDA were seen to be Ca, P, Co, Ni and δC.

Authentication of Transylvanian Spirits Based on Isotope and Elemental Signatures in Conjunction with Statistical Methods

“…The efficiency of Li and Mn for geographical origin assessment was also reported for other matrices, such as coffee beans [ 19 ]. Apart from this, the As content was previously found as being a geographical differentiation marker for other commodities (i.e., potatoes) grown in distinct areas of Transylvania [ 20 ].…”

“…Compared to other matrices, such as vegetables, fruits, and honey [ 18 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], the differentiation of fruit distillates, with respect to various criteria, such as geographical or botanical origins, based on isotope and elemental content, is not straightforward. This is mainly due to the extensively technological processes in which these products undergo, affecting the original fingerprint of the raw materials (i.e., fruits), and inducing, especially in the case of the elemental profile, a producer signature.…”

Differentiation of tomatoes based on isotopic, elemental and organic markers

“…d 2 H is an acknowledged marker for geographical origin assessment, being directly related to the precipitations which fall in a specific area and thus, with the specific fingerprint of tomatoes growing region (Magdas et al 2017;Marincas et al 2018). Apart of this, the isotope ratio of carbon (d 13 C) proved to be a good tool for the characterization of geographical origin.…”

“…In this regard, stable isotopes in combination with mineral composition and chemical markers were used for investigation of the geographical origin of tomatoes (Mahne Opatic ´et al 2018). Stable isotopes or elemental composition, either independently or in combination were also used for discrimination of other agroproducts with respect to their geographical origins such as: hot pepper (Marincas et al 2018), potato (Magdas et al 2017), wine (Hosu et al 2016), or to differentiate the agriculture type (organic vs. conventional vegetables as well as greenhouses vs. field) (Cristea et al 2017;Magdas et al 2018). Most commercial tomatoes, especially in northern European countries, are produced in greenhouses that allow better control of agronomic and environmental factors.…”

Activities concentration of radiocesium in wild mushroom collected in Ukraine 30 years after the Chernobyl power plant accident

“…This accident released huge amounts of radionuclides, including radioiodine and radiocesium, into the environment, contaminating the lands of Ukraine, the Republic of Belarus, and the Russian Federation ( Taira et al, 2011 ). Cases of hot spot contamination with radiocesium and high levels in mushrooms have also been recorded in nearby countries such as Poland, Sweden, and Norway, while less elsewhere in Europe ( Bakken & Olsen, 1990 ; Cocchi et al, 2017 ; Falandysz & Borovička, 2013 ; Falandysz et al, 2015 ; Falandysz et al, 2016 ; Strandberg, 2004 ; Zalewska, Cocchi & Falandysz, 2016 ). More than 30 years have passed since the accident, but cesium-137 ( 137 Cs) remains a radioactive nuclide of interest due to its relatively long half-life (30 a) ( International Atomic Energy Agency, 2006 ).…”