Geographical origin of Chinese apples based on multiple element analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND Apples from different regions of China show different qualities and internal characteristics, and appeal to different customers. However, these aspects have not been studied in depth. We characterized the profiles of 14 elements in 317 apple samples collected from five regions of China. Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and back‐propagation artificial neural networks analysis (BP‐ANN) were used to build models for apple authentication. RESULTS Fourteen elements were successfully identified in apple samples by performing graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) analyses. Comparative analysis showed significantly different element profiles in samples from different regions. The first five principal components obtained by PCA accounted for 71.8% of the total variance. The LDA obtained 70.0% classification rates. The BP‐ANN obtained 82.7% classification rates. CONCLUSION This study indicated the possibility that apples could be authenticated based on differences in their element profiles, and provided a basis for further geographical origin studies. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Multielement authentication of apples from the cold highlands in southwest China

“…The relatively higher levels of these elements in the SCH samples were also observed in the analysis of 2017 samples, when the NSCH samples were subdivided into four regions. 4 Furthermore, Na and B in the SCH samples were recorded in relatively lower concentrations than samples from the other regions, mainly Bohai Bay and the Loss Plateau. The differences in multielement concentrations between samples were potentially related to the geographic conditions of environment and climate.…”

“…The analysis of B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Zn was conducted by performing inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) (ICP‐AES‐9000, Shimadzu, Japan), and the analysis of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb was performed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) system (ZEEnit‐600, Germany) 4 . The sample digestion was conducted according to a method described previously 4,15 . The samples of three replicates were prepared simultaneously: 5.0 g samples were introduced into the digestion tube, and mixed with 8.0 mL nitric acid (70%) and 2.0 mL hydrogen peroxide (30%).…”

“…For this reason, apples from Zhaotong and Ninglang in Yunnan province, Linzhi in Tibet, and Yanyuan in Sichuan province enjoy a good reputation and are marketed at a higher price. 4 However, dishonest traders often replace SCH apples with others to obtain higher profits, which frustrates the development of a competitive brand. To protect the interests of producers and the rights of consumers, it is important to develop a scientific method to distinguish SCH apples.…”

“…3 As a result of the differences in regional climates and environments, Chinese apples from different regions vary in their external and internal qualities. 4 However, the authentication of Chinese apple has been insufficiently studied.…”

Determination of geographical origin of concentrated apple juice through analysis of stable isotopic and mineral elemental fingerprints: preliminary results

“…In this respect, it is important to develop methods enabling the recognition of the geographic origin of agricultural products to protect consumers and producers. However, the geographical origin of Chinese apples has rarely been studied 7 . However, there is no relevant report on the origin traceability of concentrated apple juice.…”