Use of elemental profiling and isotopic signatures to differentiate Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) from freshwater and seawater culture areas

Abstract Shrimp samples from aquaculture ponds supplied with either freshwater (0.2–1.3 g L −1 salinity) or seawater (27.6–39.0 g L −1 salinity) were subjected to elemental profiling and to stable isotope analysis. Concentrations of 35 trace elements, including rare earth elements (REEs) were analyzed by ICP-MS, and the δ 13 C and δ 15 N concentrations were analyzed by IRMS in samples of peeled un-deveined (PUD) shrimp and in shrimp feed. Concentrations of 13 elements in pond water could be measured by ICP-MS. The analysis results showed that feeds offered to shrimp in freshwater and seawater did not differ in elemental concentrations ( P P 15 N.