Multi-element signature of cuttlefish and its potential for the discrimination of different geographical provenances and traceability

The measurement and analysis of fifty-two elements by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS) direct mercury were applied to origin discrimination Italian traditional cuttlefish (Chioggia, Venice lagoon) from Mediterranean Atlantic samples. A total 68 specimens analyzed in triplicates generate 204 spectra profiles which statistically processed different chemometric techniques. Loading weights principal component as input for linear discriminant (LW-LDA), stepwise-LDA (S-LDA) variable influence projection-partial least square (VIP-PLS-DA) used classify samples while retaining the lowest possible number key variables. VIP-PLS-DA was found be best selection-discriminant tool combo since selected Na–Co–B–K–Cd–V–U–Rb–Ni–Ba–Cu–As–Sr–Mn–Mo–Li–Ca–Mg–Se–Bi–Cs–P–Y elemental pattern allowed classified with 100% sensitivity, specificity accuracy.