Variations in the boron isotope composition of Coffea arabica beans

Significant B isotope abundance variations were found for a variety of Coff ea arabica beans from a number of coffee-growing regions around the world. This may be attributed to the influence of local sources of B (including so il, water and fertilizer) each having a characteristic B isotope abundance ratio of its own. The results of this preliminary study indicate that B iso tope abundance data can be used to study the biogeochemical cycle of B, an important micronutrient. In addition, the isotopic data can be employed in quality assurance programs of commercial coffee as the quality depends to a large extent on the genetic and geographic origin of the coffee. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.