Isotopic Mass Spectrometry in Food and Environmental Chemistry

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) measures small differences in the abundances of light-stable isotopes of elements, mostly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. The ratio of isotopes is dependent on the environment where the samples are located and therefore the measurement of the isotope signature in food and environmental samples can give information to help to distinguish samples that share the same chemical composition but can be under different conditions. This chapter provides an overview of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) in the context of food and environmental sample analysis (e.g., food authenticity, food origin, or environmental contamination). The fundamentals and latest developments of the technique, most important aspects of the instrumentation, analysis of isotope ratio information as well as key applications are described to illustrate the impact of this rapidly growing field of research especially in terms of the number and type of applications. Finally, applications in nutrition and trophic, environment, soil science, and food authenticity are assessed by giving details on the progresses, advantages, and pitfalls.