Potential of non-traditional isotope studies for bioarchaeology

Klervia Jaouen,Marie-Laure Pons

doi:10.1007/s12520-016-0426-9

Abstract

As a consequence of recent developments in mass spectrometry, the application of non-traditional stable isotope systems (e.g. Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Sr, Zn) as well as radiogenic isotopes to archaeological materials is now possible. These techniques have opened new perspectives in bioarchaeology and can provide information on metabolism, diet and the mobility of past individuals. This review demonstrates this potential and describes the principle of these new analytical approaches. In addition, we emphasize how the “non-traditional” stable isotope systems compare and contrast with classic isotopic analyses.

Highlights

Notion of traditional and non-traditional isotopesThe notion of traditional and non-traditional isotopes is usually applied to stable isotopes, which remain stable throughKlervia Jaouen and Marie-Laure Pons contributed .time, as opposed to radioactive isotopes that decay into a daughter isotope from a different element
The isotopic abundance is mostly measured in terms of delta notation (e.g. δ18O)
Radiogenic isotopes strontium (Sr) and lead (Pb) and stable isotopes of light elements (hydrogen (H), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), sulphur (S)) were the main isotopic systems studied in human remains (Fig. 1)

Summary

Introduction

The notion of traditional and non-traditional isotopes is usually applied to stable isotopes, which remain stable through. Sr and Pb radiogenic isotope compositions of human tissues reflect that of the soil where a living organism gets its food (animals or plants) (Bentley 2006). These isotope compositions are frequently used to trace the mobility of past populations This is true for non-traditional isotopes: unlike traditional ones, they do not belong to the CHNOPS1 (Fig. 1), that is to say the most common elements in living organisms They are more likely to trace specific metabolic processes, being involved in less biological reactions. Depending on the age and the environmental context of the sample, diagenesis can affect the integrity of biogenic signatures in dental enamel (Kohn et al 1999; Schoeninger et al 2003) and should be assessed

Methods

Findings

Concluding remarks