Mineral profile exploratory analysis for rice grains traceability.

Rice geographical traceability requires analytical procedures and data evaluation capable of linking its composition to the producing area. In this work, major and trace elements in soil and rice grains and husk from 9 cities and 17 producers were evaluated. Arsenic species were measured solely in rice grains. The rice mineral profile evaluated by principal component analysis allowed the identification of controlling variables and origin fingerprints. Vectors controlling data variability were linked to the geographical area, to crop management, producers and in a lower extent to soil composition. Elemental discrimination through 3D models was proposed. Arsenic species in the grains and elemental husk composition were decisive to achieve the required discrimination. Rice discrimination was obtained by cities, producers and varieties. The present work model was compared with others from similar studies.