Characterization of farmed and wild salmon (Salmo salar) by a combined use of compositional and isotopic analyses

Gas chromatography, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and high-resolution H-2 site-specific natural isotope fractionation/nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been used to study the different kinds of fish oils and lipids extracted from muscle of wild and farmed salmon (Norway, Scotland). A statistical analysis of the fatty acid compositions, overall H-2 and C-13 isotope ratios, and molar fractions of the isotopomeric deuterium clusters was carried out to select the most efficient variables for distinguishing the different groups of salmons and fishes studied. A classification analysis based on four fatty acid compositions, three deuterium molar fractions, and the overall (D/H)(tot) isotope ratio of fish oils completely assigns the oils to the right group.