Title: A novel marker-seeking metabolomics approach in the origin traceability of eight Chinese coals

Authors: Weifeng Xue; Wenjun Cao; Yao Fu; Haiqin Zhang

Addresses: Technology Centre of Dalian Customs, Dalian, 116000, China ' China Certification and Inspection Group Liaoning Co., Ltd., Dalian, 116039, China ' Technology Centre of Dalian Customs, Dalian, 116000, China ' School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China

Abstract: A novel 'marker'-seeking metabolomics approach was proposed to achieve the origin traceability of eight Chinese coals, for which principal component analysis, cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were adopted. S-plot, permutation test and variable importance in projection are responsible to screen eligible 'markers', which were further validated by pairwise t-test. The results indicate that 6~13 out of 26 coal parameters were screened as 'markers' in eight coal groups, where importance standings of 'markers' are significantly different, proving the competence of metabolomics approach in the origin traceability of coals. The proposed method in this study can induce a more accurate discrimination of coals from different geographical origins. [Received: July 7, 2024; Accepted: July 13, 2025]

Keywords: coal origin traceability; marker; coal parameter; metabolomics; principal component analysis; cluster analysis; orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2026.153914

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2026 Vol.40 No.1, pp.65 - 85

Received: 11 May 2024
Accepted: 13 Jul 2025
Published online: 29 May 2026 *

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