Trace element fingerprinting of blue mussel (Mytilis edulis) shells and soft tissues can successfully classify harvesting locations

The aquaculture sector is of considerable economic importance to the Irish economy, worth €115 million in 2014, supporting the livelihood and employment of many people in rural regions throughout the country. Blue mussels,... [ view full abstract ]

The aquaculture sector is of considerable economic importance to the Irish economy, worth €115 million in 2014, supporting the livelihood and employment of many people in rural regions throughout the country. Blue mussels, Mytilus edulis account for a considerable portion of this aquaculture sector with the majority of farms on the West and South West coast of Ireland. However, harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose considerable risk to human health and, in turn the stability of the market. If contaminated produce was to make it to the market the health risk to the public could be great and the damage to the sector through loss of consumer confidence would also be significant. Currently there is no scientific methodology available to industry regulators to allow them to trace bivalve molluscs produce to its harvest location. This study utilises inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) of shells and soft tissues to examine the possible development of such a tool. Multivariate analysis of chemical compositions revealed site specific elemental profiles, allowing 100% of individuals to be correctly classified to harvesting locations.