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Keywords = multielemental analysis

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17 pages, 1308 KiB  
Article
Elemental and Isotopic Fingerprints of Potatoes
by Cezara Voica, Ioana Feher, Romulus Puscas, Andreea Maria Iordache and Gabriela Cristea
Foods 2025, 14(14), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142440 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Nowadays, food traceability represents an important issue in the current context of trade agreements, which influence global food prices. Many consumers prefer to pay a higher price for a traditional cultivation regime of a certain food product that comes from a certain region, [...] Read more.
Nowadays, food traceability represents an important issue in the current context of trade agreements, which influence global food prices. Many consumers prefer to pay a higher price for a traditional cultivation regime of a certain food product that comes from a certain region, appreciating the taste of the respective foodstuff. The potato is now the world’s fourth most important food crop in terms of human consumption, after wheat, maize, and rice. In this context, 100 potato samples from the Romanian market were collected. While 68 samples came from Romania, the rest of the 32 were from abroad (Hungary, France, Greece, Italy, Germany, Egypt, and Poland). The countries selected for potato sample analysis are among the main exporters of potatoes to the Romanian market. The samples were investigated by their multi-elemental and isotopic (2H, 18O and 13C) fingerprints, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). Then, to distinguish the geographical origin, the experimental results were statistically processed using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The best markers that emphasize Romanian potatoes were identified to be δ13Cbulk, δ2Hwater, and Sr. Full article
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30 pages, 3838 KiB  
Article
Evidence of Organ-Specific Metal Accumulation: ICP-MS Elemental Analysis of Autopsy Tissues of Tobacco Smokers
by Wojciech Flieger, Przemysław Niedzielski, Zofia Wojciechowska, Aleksandra Proch, Jędrzej Proch, Alicja Forma, Andrzej Torbicz, Dariusz Majerek, Grzegorz Teresiński, Jacek Baj, Ryszard Maciejewski and Jolanta Flieger
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6368; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136368 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
Cigarette smoking exposes individuals to numerous toxic substances, including heavy metals. Smokers are at risk due to the accumulation of these substances in various tissues. Objective: To compare the concentrations of 41 elements in 11 brain regions, the spinal cord, the bronchial, the [...] Read more.
Cigarette smoking exposes individuals to numerous toxic substances, including heavy metals. Smokers are at risk due to the accumulation of these substances in various tissues. Objective: To compare the concentrations of 41 elements in 11 brain regions, the spinal cord, the bronchial, the lungs, and the liver in smokers (n = 11) and non-smokers (n = 17). Elemental composition was determined by ICP-MS after wet digestion in a microwave system. The following toxic elements were detected at levels of µg/g w.w.: Al, Cd, Pb, Ba, As, Ni, and Tl. Significantly higher concentrations of Al were detected in bronchial and lung, and more Pb, Tl, and rare earth elements were detected in the liver of smokers compared to non-smokers. In addition, smokers had significantly lower concentrations of essential elements involved in antioxidant defense, such as Cu, in liver tissue (p = 0.033). The brain and spinal cord in smokers and non-smokers were similar in terms of chemical composition, except the insula, where smokers had greater Al accumulation (p = 0.030), the precentral gyrus, where higher amounts of As, Cd, and Mn were detected, and the septal nucleus accumbens, which preferentially accumulated Cd in smokers; however, the p-values indicate that these differences were not statistically significant. Most brain areas of smokers were characterized by higher Na content (p < 0.05). These findings prove the long-term effects of smoking, demonstrating the bioaccumulation of toxic elements, the increased levels of rare earth elements in the liver, decreased levels of elements involved in the body’s antioxidant defense, and disruption of sodium homeostasis in the brain of smokers. Full article
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27 pages, 3410 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Authenticity and Quality of Paprika (Capsicum annuum) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) in the Slovenian Market: A Multi-Analytical and Chemometric Approach
by Sabina Primožič, Cathrine Terro, Lidija Strojnik, Nataša Šegatin, Nataša Poklar Ulrih and Nives Ogrinc
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2323; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132323 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 495
Abstract
The authentication of high-value spices such as paprika and cinnamon is critical due to increasing food fraud. This study explored the potential of a multi-analytical approach, combined with chemometric tools, to differentiate 45 paprika and 46 cinnamon samples from the Slovenian market based [...] Read more.
The authentication of high-value spices such as paprika and cinnamon is critical due to increasing food fraud. This study explored the potential of a multi-analytical approach, combined with chemometric tools, to differentiate 45 paprika and 46 cinnamon samples from the Slovenian market based on their geographic origin, production methods, and possible adulteration. The applied techniques included stable isotope ratio analysis (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S), multi-elemental profiling, FTIR, and antioxidant compound analysis. Distinct isotopic and elemental markers (e.g., δ13C, δ34S, Rb, Cs, V, Fe, Al) contributed to classification by geographic origin, with preliminary classification accuracies of 90% for paprika (Hungary, Serbia, Spain) and 89% for cinnamon (Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Indonesia). Organic paprika samples showed higher values of δ15N, δ34S, and Zn, whereas conventional ones had more Na, Al, V, and Cr. For cinnamon, a 95% discrimination accuracy was achieved between production practice using δ34S and Ba, as well as As, Rb, Na, δ13C, S, Mg, Fe, V, Al, and Cu. FTIR differentiated Ceylon from cassia cinnamon and suggested possible paprika adulteration, as indicated by spectral features consistent with oleoresin removal or azo dye addition, although further verification is required. Antioxidant profiling supported quality assessment, although the high antioxidant activity in cassia cinnamon may reflect non-phenolic contributors. Overall, the results demonstrate the promising potential of the applied analytical techniques to support spice authentication. However, further studies on larger, more balanced datasets are essential to validate and generalize these findings. Full article
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18 pages, 2897 KiB  
Article
Influence of Biochar Organic Carbon Composition and Thermal Stability on Nitrate Retention and Tomato Yield on Soilless Biochar Amended Growth Media
by George K. Osei, Lucy W. Ngatia, Michael D. Abazinge, Alejandro Bolques, Charles Jagoe, Marcia A. Owens, Benjamin Mwashote and Riqiang Fu
Agriculture 2025, 15(8), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15080865 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 530
Abstract
The application of biochar to traditional soil and soilless growth media in agriculture has been reported to increase plant production. However, it remains unclear which biochar component drives this process or which biogeochemical process is attributed to better plant productivity. Therefore, this study [...] Read more.
The application of biochar to traditional soil and soilless growth media in agriculture has been reported to increase plant production. However, it remains unclear which biochar component drives this process or which biogeochemical process is attributed to better plant productivity. Therefore, this study aims to determine how biochar organic carbon (C) composition and thermal stability influence nitrogen availability and tomato production. Soilless growth media composed of a mixture of 60% and 40% coconut coir (CC) (Cocos nucifera L.) and fine pine bark (PB) (Pinus genus), respectively, was amended with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12% biochar per dry weight. The amended media were used to grow Red Bounty tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) for three months. After harvesting tomatoes and determining yield, organic C composition and C thermal stability of the biochar amended soilless growth media mixtures were determined using solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) and multi-elemental scanning thermal analysis (MESTA), respectively. Thermal stability data were used to determine the “R400 index”, and nitrate (NO3) concentration was determined using the water extractable method. Results showed that biochar-amended media significantly increased pH (p < 0.0001) and NO3 (p = 0.0386) compared to the no-char control. Biochar amended soilless media organic C composition was dominated by O-alkyl-C as a result of a higher fraction of soilless media; however, total C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, and aromatic-C increased with increasing biochar content and related negatively to R400, which decreased with increasing biochar content. Nitrate retention and tomato yield increased with increasing total C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, and aromatic-C and decreasing R400. This indicates that the stable form of C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, aromatic-C, and low R400 enhanced NO3 sorption, reducing leaching and enhancing its availability for tomato growth. Full article
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15 pages, 786 KiB  
Article
Measuring Minerals in Pseudocereals Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry: What Is the Optimal Digestion Method?
by Ana C. Nascimento, Carla Motta, Andreia Rego, Inês Delgado, Susana Santiago, Ricardo Assunção, Ana Sofia Matos, Mariana Santos and Isabel Castanheira
Foods 2025, 14(4), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040565 - 8 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 751
Abstract
Pseudocereals have gained attention due to their adaptability to different climates, high nutritional value, and suitability for gluten-free and plant-based diets. However, a challenge lies in the necessary adaptations in the diet pathways, mainly due to the lack of matrix-matching metrological tools. To [...] Read more.
Pseudocereals have gained attention due to their adaptability to different climates, high nutritional value, and suitability for gluten-free and plant-based diets. However, a challenge lies in the necessary adaptations in the diet pathways, mainly due to the lack of matrix-matching metrological tools. To address this problem, we developed a classification system to support laboratory decisions without shaped Proficiency Testing (PT) or Certified/Standard References Material. This system evaluates method performance through limit of detection (LOD), maximum uncertainty, and statistical comparison. For that matter, the mineral contents (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Mg, P, Ca, K, and Na) of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) were determined, using three different digestion methods, including dry-ashing, microwave, and graphite block acid digestion. A decision was reached concerning the optimal digestion method to be employed, with the results classified into three categories: (i) “rejected if results failed in two categories; (ii) “use with caution” if results were not satisfactory in one category; or (iii) “accepted”, if the results passed in all the categories. The system efficacy was exemplified by the effectiveness of dry-ashing and graphite block acid digestion by comparison with microwave digestion. Neither dry-ashing nor graphite block acid digestion can be recommended as an alternative method to the microwave digestion method when all the prioritized nutrient minerals are understudied. Although the microwave method is preferable for multi-elemental analysis, it is possible to obtain, with caution, comparable results from all the digestion methods if a higher relative combined uncertainty is defined (target uncertainty < 11%) under the assumption that this is suitable for the study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Choice, Nutrition, and Public Health)
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10 pages, 854 KiB  
Article
Differentiation of Insect Flours by Elemental Analysis and Chemometrics: A Study Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
by Mattia Montanaro, Alessandra Biancolillo, Angelo Antonio D’Archivio and Martina Foschi
Molecules 2024, 29(24), 5878; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245878 - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1075
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to validate a method for characterizing and quantifying the multi-elemental profiles of different insect flours to enable their distinction, identification, and quality assessment. The focus was on three insect species: cricket (Acheta domesticus), buffalo worm (Alphitobius [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to validate a method for characterizing and quantifying the multi-elemental profiles of different insect flours to enable their distinction, identification, and quality assessment. The focus was on three insect species: cricket (Acheta domesticus), buffalo worm (Alphitobius diaperinus), and mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Methods: Mealworms were powdered in the laboratory through mechanical processing. Sample analysis involved acid digestion using a microwave digester, followed by profiling with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This technique enabled rapid, multi-elemental analysis at trace levels. Chemometric methods, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for exploratory analysis, Covariance Selection-Linear Discriminant Analysis (CovSel-LDA), alongside forward stepwise LDA classification methods, were applied and compared. Results: ICP-MS accurately detected elements at micro trace levels. Both classification models, based on different variable selection methods and externally validated on a test set comprising 45% of the available samples, proved effective in classifying samples based on slightly different pools of trace elements. CovSel-LDA selected Mg and Se, whereas the stepwise-LDA focused on Mg, K, and Mn. Conclusions: the validated methods demonstrated high accuracy and generalizability, supporting their potential use in food industry applications. This model could assist in quality control, facilitating the introduction of insect-based flour into European and international markets as novel foods. Full article
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9 pages, 1759 KiB  
Article
Study of the Elemental Composition of Gadolinium–Aluminum Garnets—Obtaining Predictable Optical Properties
by Natalia A. Korotkova, Kseniya V. Petrova, Vasilisa B. Baranovskaya, Marina S. Doronina and Alexandra A. Arkhipenko
Solids 2024, 5(4), 617-625; https://doi.org/10.3390/solids5040041 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1044
Abstract
For the first time, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed for determining the target elemental composition of gadolinium–aluminum garnets with the varying composition Gd3–xCexScyAl5–yO12, where x = 0.01–0.16 and y = [...] Read more.
For the first time, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed for determining the target elemental composition of gadolinium–aluminum garnets with the varying composition Gd3–xCexScyAl5–yO12, where x = 0.01–0.16 and y = 0.25–1.75. This fact has a fundamental importance for obtaining optical ceramics with predictable properties. Using the proposed acid mixture and temperature-time program, microwave digestion of these materials and complete transfer of the sample’s components into solution were possible. Moreover, we estimated the influence of the matrix composition, sample introduction system and collision cell on the limits of determination (LOD) of impurity elements by ICP-MS (Mg, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Er, Ho, Tm, Yb, and Lu). It has been shown that the conditions of mass spectral analysis proposed in this work provide LOD of target analytes in the range of 1∙10−6–4.15∙10−3 wt.%. The accuracy of the obtained results has been confirmed by the added-found method and by analyzing samples with known chemical composition. The standard deviation of repeatability (Sr) of the developed technique lies in the range from 1 to 6%. The developed analysis method is characterized by sensitivity, robustness and multi-elementality. It has application potential for other optical and ceramic materials of similar composition. Full article
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24 pages, 9104 KiB  
Article
Preliminary XRF Analysis of Coal Ash from Jurassic and Carboniferous Coals at Five Kazakh Mines: Industrial and Environmental Comparisons
by Medet Junussov and Sezim Mustapayeva
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10586; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210586 - 17 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1527
Abstract
This study analyzes 105 coal ash samples from Jurassic and Carboniferous coals from five mines in Kazakhstan, Lenin, Saradyr, Bogatyr, Maikuben, and Shubarkol, focusing on the inorganic elemental compositions, their occurrence, and industrial and environmental implications. Methods include coal ash yield and volatile [...] Read more.
This study analyzes 105 coal ash samples from Jurassic and Carboniferous coals from five mines in Kazakhstan, Lenin, Saradyr, Bogatyr, Maikuben, and Shubarkol, focusing on the inorganic elemental compositions, their occurrence, and industrial and environmental implications. Methods include coal ash yield and volatile matter analysis, mineralogical characterization via low-temperature ash X-ray diffraction (LTA-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). High-temperature ash (HTA) was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), highlighting XRF’s potential for rapid multi-elemental analysis. Nine major elements (Al, Si, P, S, Fe, K, Ca, and Ti) and eleven trace elements (As, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, V, Ga, Mn, Ni, Y, Yb, and Zr) were identified in HTA samples through EDXRF. SEM and dendrogram analysis confirm their co-occurrence with quartz, kaolinite, pyrite, and accessory minerals such as chalcopyrite, zircon, rutile, and REE-bearing apatite. The elemental content of samples enhances industrial suitability by reducing emissions. Only Yb shows slight enrichment for economic benefits, along with La, Ce, and Nd, while concentrations of potentially toxic elements indicate minimal environmental risk. EDXRF demonstrates its efficiency for large-scale investigations, with all samples analyzed in a few days using automated overnight measurements. This approach shows promise for future studies focusing on trace elements, including REE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Geochemistry)
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24 pages, 3096 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Biochar Particle Size on the Leaching of Organic Molecules and Macro- and Microelements
by Sarka Sovova, Ludmila Mravcova, Jaromir Porizka, Leona Kubikova and Michal Kalina
Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2346; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102346 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1479
Abstract
Biochar is a carbon-rich material that has recently received attention due to its increasing agronomical potential. The agricultural utilization of biochar relates to its potential to act in the soil as a soil conditioner; nevertheless, complex information on the direct dependence of biochar’s [...] Read more.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material that has recently received attention due to its increasing agronomical potential. The agricultural utilization of biochar relates to its potential to act in the soil as a soil conditioner; nevertheless, complex information on the direct dependence of biochar’s physical properties (texture, particle size) and corresponding leaching and availability of organic molecules (e.g., the polycyclic and heterocyclic organic compounds) and inorganic mineral salts (based on micro- and macroelements) is still inconsistent. Multi-elemental analysis by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to assess the information on the contents and availability of macro- and microelements in studied commercial biochar samples. The results showed a statistically significant indirect relation between an increase in the size fraction of biochar and the content of aqueous-extractable K and Na and the direct relation with the aqueous-extractable Ca, Mg, and P. Compared to the macroelements, the detected contents of aqueous-extractable microelements were almost three orders lower, and the dependence on fraction size was not consistent or statistically significant. In addition, gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) was further used to reveal the concentrations of available polycyclic aromatic and heterocyclic compounds in biochar samples. The detected concentrations of these types of organic compounds were far below the certified limits, and a statistically significant indirect correlation with particle size was also observed for all the studied biochar samples. The proposed methodological concept could provide the necessary insights into the description of biochar mineral content and its connection to biochar texture, the physicochemical properties, and the potential of biochar to release nutrients into the soil. These findings could help in the further assessment of biochar as a soil conditioner in modern agriculture. Full article
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15 pages, 1418 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Behavior of an Endangered Facultative Cuprophyte Coincya Species in an Abandoned Copper Mine (Southeast Portugal)
by Ana Delaunay Caperta, Filipa Couchinho, Ana Cortinhas and Maria Manuela Abreu
Plants 2024, 13(20), 2847; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202847 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 978
Abstract
Plant–soil interactions of endangered species with a high-priority conservation status are important to define in situ and ex situ conservation and restoration projects. The threatened endemic Coincya transtagana, thriving in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, can grow in metalliferous soils. The [...] Read more.
Plant–soil interactions of endangered species with a high-priority conservation status are important to define in situ and ex situ conservation and restoration projects. The threatened endemic Coincya transtagana, thriving in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, can grow in metalliferous soils. The main goal of this study was to investigate the behavior of this species in soils rich in potentially toxic elements in the abandoned Aparis Cu mine. Soil samples were characterized for physicochemical properties and multielemental composition, as well as biological activity, through an analysis of enzymatic activities. Plant biomass was assessed, and multielemental analysis of the plants was also performed. The mine soils had slightly basic pH values and were non-saline and poor in mineral N-NH4, with medium-to-high organic matter concentration and medium cation-exchange capacity. In these soils, dehydrogenase had the highest activity, whereas protease had the lowest activity. The total concentrations of Cu (1.3–5.9 g/kg) and As (37.9–118 mg/kg) in soils were very high, and the available fraction of Cu in the soil also had high concentration values (49–491 mg/kg). Moreover, this study shows for the first time that C. transtagana had high uptake and translocation capacities from roots to shoots for Cu, Ni, and Cr. Although Cu in the plants’ aerial parts (40–286 mg/kg) was considered excessive/toxic, no signs of plant toxicity disorders or P uptake reduction were detected. This preliminary study revealed that C. transtagana is Cu-tolerant, and it could be used for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements, while also contributing to its conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Hazardous Elements Accumulation in Plants)
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12 pages, 2188 KiB  
Article
Multi-Elemental Analysis and Geographical Discrimination of Greek “Gigantes Elefantes” Beans Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Machine Learning Models
by Eleni C. Mazarakioti, Anastasios Zotos, Vassilios S. Verykios, Efthymios Kokkotos, Anna-Akrivi Thomatou, Achilleas Kontogeorgos, Angelos Patakas and Athanasios Ladavos
Foods 2024, 13(18), 3015; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13183015 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1082
Abstract
Greek giant beans, also known as “Gigantes Elefantes” (elephant beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L.,) are a traditional and highly cherished culinary delight in Greek cuisine, contributing significantly to the economic prosperity of local producers. However, the issue of food fraud associated with these products [...] Read more.
Greek giant beans, also known as “Gigantes Elefantes” (elephant beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L.,) are a traditional and highly cherished culinary delight in Greek cuisine, contributing significantly to the economic prosperity of local producers. However, the issue of food fraud associated with these products poses substantial risks to both consumer safety and economic stability. In the present study, multi-elemental analysis combined with decision tree learning algorithms were investigated for their potential to determine the multi-elemental profile and discriminate the origin of beans collected from the two geographical areas. Ensuring the authenticity of agricultural products is increasingly crucial in the global food industry, particularly in the fight against food fraud, which poses significant risks to consumer safety and economic stability. To ascertain this, an extensive multi-elemental analysis (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Re, Se, Sr, Ta, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Zn, and Zr) was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Bean samples originating from Kastoria and Prespes (products with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status) were studied, focusing on the determination of elemental profiles or fingerprints, which are directly related to the geographical origin of the growing area. In this study, we employed a decision tree algorithm to classify Greek “Gigantes Elefantes” beans based on their multi-elemental composition, achieving high performance metrics, including an accuracy of 92.86%, sensitivity of 87.50%, and specificity of 96.88%. These results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in accurately distinguishing beans from different geographical regions based on their elemental profiles. The trained model accomplished the discrimination of Greek “Gigantes Elefantes” beans from Kastoria and Prespes, with remarkable accuracy, based on their multi-elemental composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
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17 pages, 2327 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Source Complexity in Blended Milk Cheese: Integrated Strontium Isotope and Multi-Elemental Approach to PDO Graviera Naxos
by Majda Nikezić, Paraskevi Chantzi, Johanna Irrgeher and Tea Zuliani
Foods 2024, 13(16), 2540; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162540 - 14 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1181
Abstract
Graviera Naxos, a renowned cheese with Protected Designation of Origin status, is crafted from a blend of cow, goat, and sheep milk. This study focused on assessing the Sr isotopic and multi-elemental composition of both the processed cheese and its ingredients, as well [...] Read more.
Graviera Naxos, a renowned cheese with Protected Designation of Origin status, is crafted from a blend of cow, goat, and sheep milk. This study focused on assessing the Sr isotopic and multi-elemental composition of both the processed cheese and its ingredients, as well as the environmental context of Naxos Island, including samples of milk, water, soil, and feed. The objective was to delineate the geochemical signature of Graviera Naxos cheese and to explore the utility of Sr isotopes as indicators of geographic origin. The 87Sr/86Sr values for Graviera Naxos samples ranged from 0.70891 to 0.70952, indicating a relatively narrow range. However, the Sr isotopic signature of milk, heavily influenced by the feed, which originates from geologically distinct areas, does not always accurately reflect the local breeding environment. Multi-elemental analysis revealed variations in milk composition based on type and season; yet, no notable differences were found between raw and pasteurized milk. A mixing model evaluating the contributions of milk, sea salt, and rennet to the cheese’s Sr isotopic signature suggested a significant average contribution of 73.1% from sea salt. This study highlights the complexities of linking dairy products with their geographical origins and emphasizes the need for sophisticated geochemical authentication methods. Full article
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13 pages, 492 KiB  
Article
Multi-Elemental Analysis of Edible Insects, Scorpions, and Tarantulas from French (Online) Market and Human Health Risk Assessment Due to Their Consumption: A Pilot Study
by Yulianna Holowaty, Axelle Leufroy, Clément Mazurais, Diane Beauchemin and Petru Jitaru
Foods 2024, 13(15), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13152353 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Edible insects are becoming increasingly popular as protein alternatives to traditional animal-based products. As such, information on their elemental composition is important to ensure they are safe for human consumption. This article describes the development and validation of a rapid, reliable method for [...] Read more.
Edible insects are becoming increasingly popular as protein alternatives to traditional animal-based products. As such, information on their elemental composition is important to ensure they are safe for human consumption. This article describes the development and validation of a rapid, reliable method for the simultaneous determination of 19 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in edible insects by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following closed vessel microwave digestion. The method was validated using three insect certified reference materials, namely black soldier fly larvae meal (BFLY-1), cricket flour (KRIK-1), and mealworm powder (VORM-1). The method was applied to analyze twelve different (whole) insect species. The maximum amount of each sample was calculated for As, Cd, and Pb with respect to their provisional tolerable daily intake values established by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization. Most of the samples, except for scorpions and tarantulas, were safe to consume at large doses (1000–10,000 insects per day). Furthermore, most of the samples contained high levels of Fe, K, Na, and Zn, providing a preliminary overview of the nutritional profile of these novel protein alternatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trace Elements in Food: Nutritional and Safety Issues)
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12 pages, 952 KiB  
Communication
Suitability of XRF for Routine Analysis of Multi-Elemental Composition: A Multi-Standard Verification
by Riccardo Fedeli, Luigi Antonello Di Lella and Stefano Loppi
Methods Protoc. 2024, 7(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps7040053 - 5 Jul 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2768
Abstract
This study investigated the suitability of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis for routine multi-elemental composition analysis, checking its analytical capabilities by measuring a wide array of certified reference materials of soil and plant origin. A portable XRF analyzer was used to evaluate 32 soil [...] Read more.
This study investigated the suitability of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis for routine multi-elemental composition analysis, checking its analytical capabilities by measuring a wide array of certified reference materials of soil and plant origin. A portable XRF analyzer was used to evaluate 32 soil and 12 plant standard materials, using both the Soil and Geochem mode, with sequential beams, allowing the detection of a wide range of elements. Recovery rates were calculated by comparing XRF measurements with certified values, and their correlations were verified through the Spearman coefficient. The results demonstrated the reliability of XRF measurements for soil samples, with a large number of elements showing a good or very good recovery and strong correlations with certified values. For plant samples, XRF largely overestimated the certified values, but the strong statistically significant correlations for almost all tested elements allowed us to correct this systematic bias, using the reported median value for dividing the value obtained via XRF. The Geochem mode emerged as more reliable for a larger number of elements. It was concluded that XRF may be a suitable alternative to ICP-MS in routine multi-elemental composition analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemical and Chemical Analysis & Synthesis)
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20 pages, 10885 KiB  
Article
On a Composite Obtained by Thermolysis of Cu-Doped Glycine
by Pedro Chamorro-Posada, Roberto C. Dante, Jesús Martín-Gil, Denisse G. Dante, Alma Cioci, José Vázquez-Cabo, Óscar Rubiños-López, Irene Mediavilla-Martínez and Pablo Martín-Ramos
C 2024, 10(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10020049 - 26 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2064
Abstract
Metal-doped carbonaceous materials have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their versatile applications in various fields, including catalysis, energy storage, environmental remediation, electronics, and sensors, as well as reinforcement. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of a composite material featuring [...] Read more.
Metal-doped carbonaceous materials have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their versatile applications in various fields, including catalysis, energy storage, environmental remediation, electronics, and sensors, as well as reinforcement. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of a composite material featuring a carbonaceous matrix doped with copper, focusing on the thermolysis of glycine as a precursor. The synthesis methodology involved utilizing glycine and copper acetate monohydrate in varying ratios, with the mixture subjected to heating in ceramic crucibles at temperatures ranging from 450 to 550 °C, with pyrolysis yields over the 5 to 39% interval. The pristine and Cu-doped samples obtained at 500 °C underwent characterization using a diverse array of techniques, including scanning and transmission electron microscopies, multi-elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, CHNS elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, along with conductivity measurements. Under optimized conditions, copper (at 6.5%) was present primarily in the free metallic form, accompanied by traces of tenorite (CuO) and cuprite (Cu2O). The carbonaceous matrix exhibited a 6:1 ratio of graphitic carbon to a carbon-nitrogen compound with the formula C2H2N2O2, such as isomers of diazetidinedione, according to multi-elemental analysis results. Conductivity measurements disclosed a significant increase in conductivity compared to the product of glycine thermolysis, showcasing the enhanced electrical properties of the new composite. Additionally, terahertz measurements showed the potential of the material as a broadband absorber for the fabrication of terahertz devices and provided compelling evidence of a significant improvement in radiation absorption upon copper doping. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the promising properties of copper-doped carbonaceous composites obtained by glycine pyrolysis, offering insights into their potential applications in emerging technological domains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Materials and Carbon Allotropes)
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