The application of solution and laser ablation based ICP-MS and solution based AES for the provenance determination of selected food and drink produce

Abstract

The provenance identification of selected types of food and drink was undertaken from data obtained using both solution and laser ablation based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and solution based inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis of selected food and drink materials (pork, wine, tea, coffee and olive oil). Quantitative determination of up to 55 elements was undertaken using solution based ICP- MS and AES while counts per second data for 49 elements was used for samples analyzed using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). ICP-AES was used to determine the concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg and Fe where appropriate. A quantitative analytical methodology for LA-ICP-MS analysis of olive oil was also developed and preliminary trials undertaken. Additional information, to establish more detailed geographic resolution in provenance determination, especially for tea and coffee (plantation of origin), was provided by the incorporation of data for light stable isotope distribution patterns ( 2 H (D), 13 C and 15 N). LA-ICP-MS was used for the direct analysis of olive oil and coffee beans. The use of laser ablation for the analysis of olive oil has the potential to overcome problems associated with both acid dissolution and thermal oxidation of this material, which are the traditional methods of sample dissolution and which either introduce significant contamination or cause the loss of volatile organo-metallic compounds that may be indicative for provenance determination. Results from the overall study indicated that it was possible not only to establish country of origin of the study materials but also in some cases to improve resolution of provenance to state of origin (wine and pork), and even plantation of origin (tea and coffee).