Radiocarbon Samples Research Articles

ENHANCED AEOLIAN ACTIVITIES IN THE MIDDLE YANGTZE RIVER BASIN DURING MIS2: EVIDENCE FROM RADIOCARBON DATING OF SAND HILLS AND LOESS SEDIMENTS

ABSTRACTAeolian deposits are widely distributed in the middle Yangtze River Basin (YRB), central China. The formation of those aeolian deposits (including aeolian sands and loess deposits) represented the deterioration of local environment. Previous geochronological studies have shown that both aeolian sands and loess began to be deposited in the last interglacial (~100 ka). In this study, a total of four and six accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) samples were collected from a sand hill and a loess section, respectively, in the Jiujiang area to refine their chronology. Charcoals extracted from bulk samples were employed for AMS 14C dating. The sand layer at the lower part of the HG-C section is sandwiched by two mud layers dated to 26,670–26,285 and 24,480–24,180 cal BP, respectively. Therefore, we infer that aeolian activities in this region started at ~25 ka BP, which was significantly younger than that of previous studies. Meanwhile, thick loess began to deposit leeward of the sand hills in this region. Based on the AMS14C chronology and provenance tracing, we conclude that the loess was essentially the fine-grained aeolian deposits. Our results suggest that topography and vegetation cover have an important effect on the spatial distribution of aeolian deposits in this region.

Contemporaneity and entanglement: Archaeological site structure from a Bayesian perspective

Previously we (Woodborne et al., 1995) and many others have attempted to pinpoint the seasonality of hunter gatherer site visits by assessing the ‘ages at death’ of animals with a restricted birth season. We used seal remains from two late Holocene sites along the Cape west coast. In this reevaluation, including larger samples of both modern and archaeological seal bones, we rephrase the question from ‘at what age did this seal (these seals) die’? to ‘which month or months most effectively characterize the likely capture (death) date for this set of seals’? By shifting focus from ‘age at death’ to ‘month of death’ we attempt a more Bayesian approach by using contemporaneity of linked seal deaths at sites as a form of prior knowledge to inform predictions of season of visit. We also illustrate the entanglement of radiocarbon samples, shellfish remains, refitted ostrich eggshell water flasks, hearths and seal mandibles in the layout of the DFM site. Reflections of the brevity of occupation at DFM and the entanglement of observations are assembled to support the notion of contemporaneity of seal deaths there.

Palynology and chronology of hyaena coprolites from the Piñar karstic Caves Las Ventanas and Carihuela, southern Spain

This paper presents pollen analyses and radiocarbon dating on Crocuta coprolites from Las Ventanas (LV) and Carihuela (Car) Caves in southern Spain (Granada), with the aim of reconstructing the environmental conditions of these hominin sites. The LV coprolites are radiocarbon dated from c. 37,890 to 6980 cal yr BP, and the Car coprolites from c. 31,063 to 7861 cal yr BP. Overall, the palaeoecological scenario inferred from both coprolite series display similar patterns, with Pinus, Poaceae, and Artemisia as dominant during the full Pleistocene, and an important contribution of Quercus in the most recently dated coprolite samples. While the palynology is consistent with results of former investigations on the past environments in the region as obtained from other deposits (peat bogs, cave infills), the Late Glacial and Holocene chronology of several coprolites in both sites is in conflict with the generally accepted timing of extinction of Crocuta in western Europe. A discussion on the taphonomical processes and potential sources of carbon contamination of the radiocarbon samples is provided. The correlation between pollen from coprolites and from sedimentary records, and the paucity of the fossil bone record suggests nevertheless, that a late survival of Crocuta in southern Spain should not be categorically discarded.

Miniature radiocarbon measurements ( < 150 µg C) from sediments of Lake Żabińskie, Poland: effect of precision and dating density on age–depth models

Abstract. The recent development of the MIni CArbon DAting System (MICADAS) allows researchers to obtain radiocarbon (14C) ages from a variety of samples with miniature amounts of carbon (<150 µg C) by using a gas ion source input that bypasses the graphitization step used for conventional 14C dating with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The ability to measure smaller samples, at reduced cost compared with graphitized samples, allows for greater dating density of sediments with low macrofossil concentrations. In this study, we use a section of varved sediments from Lake Żabińskie, NE Poland, as a case study to assess the usefulness of miniature samples from terrestrial plant macrofossils for dating lake sediments. Radiocarbon samples analyzed using gas-source techniques were measured from the same depths as larger graphitized samples to compare the reliability and precision of the two techniques directly. We find that the analytical precision of gas-source measurements decreases as sample mass decreases but is comparable with graphitized samples of a similar size (approximately 150 µg C). For samples larger than 40 µg C and younger than 6000 BP, the uncalibrated 1σ age uncertainty is consistently less than 150 years (±0.010 F14C). The reliability of 14C ages from both techniques is assessed via comparison with a best-age estimate for the sediment sequence, which is the result of an OxCal V sequence that integrates varve counts with 14C ages. No bias is evident in the ages produced by either gas-source input or graphitization. None of the 14C ages in our dataset are clear outliers; the 95 % confidence intervals of all 48 calibrated 14C ages overlap with the median best-age estimate. The effects of sample mass (which defines the expected analytical age uncertainty) and dating density on age–depth models are evaluated via simulated sets of 14C ages that are used as inputs for OxCal P-sequence age–depth models. Nine different sampling scenarios were simulated in which the mass of 14C samples and the number of samples were manipulated. The simulated age–depth models suggest that the lower analytical precision associated with miniature samples can be compensated for by increased dating density. The data presented in this paper can improve sampling strategies and can inform expectations of age uncertainty from miniature radiocarbon samples as well as age–depth model outcomes for lacustrine sediments.

Paleomagnetic observations from lake sediments on Samosir Island, Toba caldera, Indonesia, and its late Pleistocene resurgence

AbstractApproximately 74 ka, Toba caldera in Sumatra, Indonesia, erupted in one of the most catastrophic supereruptions in Earth's history. Resurgent uplift of the caldera floor raised Samosir Island 700 m above Lake Toba, exposing valuable lake sediments. To constrain sediment chronology, we collected 173 discrete paleomagnetic 8 cm3 cubes and 15 radiocarbon samples from six sections across the island. Bulk organic 14C ages provide an initial chronostratigraphic framework ranging from ~12 to 46 ka. Natural and laboratory magnetizations were studied using alternating field demagnetization. A generally well-defined primary magnetization is isolated using principal component analysis. Comparison of inclination, and to a lesser degree declination, across independently dated sections suggests paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) is recorded. Average inclination of −6° is more negative than a geocentric axial dipole would predict, but consistent with an eastward extension of the negative inclination anomaly observed in the western equatorial Pacific. The 14C- and PSV-derived age model constrains resurgent uplift, confirming faster uplift rates to the east and slower rates to the west, while suggesting that fault blocks moved differentially from each other within a generally trapdoor-type configuration.

Towards a Refined Chronology of Prehistoric Pitfall Hunting in Sweden

Among the most prominent prehistoric features in the boreal forests of northern Sweden are trapping pits or pitfalls used for hunting elk and/or reindeer. Even if often ascribed to the Viking Age and its trade in furs and other animal products, the chronology of these features has long been a matter of debate. In this article, a database of 370 dated radiocarbon samples from excavated pitfalls has been compiled and analysed using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) modelling to create the most elaborate chronology of Swedish trapping pit systems so far. The analysis shows that the most intensive period of construction of trapping pits was in the centuries before the Viking period. This challenges previous interpretations of Viking Age resource exploitation but is in line with several other recently published studies concerned with resource exploitation, non-agrarian production, and trade connecting northern Scandinavia with inter-regional trade networks.

Pretreatment of Terrestrial Macrofossils

ABSTRACTAcid-alkali-acid (AAA) pretreatment is widely used to clean terrestrial plant macrofossil samples for radiocarbon (14C) dating. There is wide variation amongst laboratories in the AAA method details and less rigorous AAA pretreatment is often used on fragile or small samples. Yet there is little evidence as to the efficacy of the different methods and whether the use of less rigorous methods is justified. We investigated four variations of AAA pretreatment: acid only (no alkali wash); room temperature AAA; “standard” AAA at 85°C; and “aggressive” AAA at 85°C with alkali washes repeated until no discoloration was detected. We tested six different terrestrial macrofossils from four different locations and ranging in age from mid-Holocene to the Last Glacial Maximum. Our results demonstrate that while acid only is not always sufficient to remove young material, there is no difference in 14C age of samples pretreated by any of the AAA variants. We also observed mass loss of 85–90% in the standard and aggressive AAA pretreatments, and much more modest mass loss in the room temperature AAA pretreatment. Therefore, we conclude that room temperature AAA pretreatment is optimal to remove contaminating material from fragile terrestrial macrofossils while retaining the majority of the authentic sample material.

Bayesian modeling of radiocarbon and luminescence dated samples from the Reales Alcázares of Seville

The set of palaces that make up the Reales Alcazares of Seville were built successively over a span of nearly 1000 years. Traditional methods, such as using comparisons between architectural styles and most often imprecise historical texts, had established the origin and evolution of this royal complex still in use. Architectural archaeology techniques have radically altered traditional conclusions, building a completely new framework for the evolution of the complex and providing new dates on its origin and evolution. However, archaeological dating techniques are not as precise as needed; therefore, a Bayesian modeling approach has been carried out with radiocarbon and luminescence samples in combination with other relative dating techniques achieving important results.

A Preliminary ion Source Background Study at Lalonde AMS

ABSTRACTObservation of the ion source generated background has been an area of focus during our routine analytical work. It is noted that the results of very-low-ratio samples are dependent upon the particular procedures for measurement using the present-day Cs+ sputter ion sources. When measured without excessive Cs+ fluxes and without interleafing with other higher-ratio samples and references, the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) sensitivity can be somewhat improved. In some cases, it appears possible to assess old radiocarbon (14C) samples to beyond the long-standing 60 kyr limit. A number of observational studies are made for the sole purpose of minimizing the final contamination to the rare isotopes that is generated within the ion source.

Radiocarbon Sample Preparation Procedures and the First Status Report from the Bristol Radiocarbon AMS (BRAMS) Facility

ABSTRACTThe Bristol Radiocarbon Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (BRAMS) Facility was established at the University of Bristol after the commissioning of our dedicated sample preparation laboratories and the installation and acceptance of the BrisMICADAS AMS in 2016. Routine measurements commenced in mid-2016, once validation was completed for each sample type. Herein, we give an overview of the standard pretreatment methods currently employed in the Facility and the results of radiocarbon (14C) determinations on a wide range of standards, blank materials, and intercomparison samples which have been measured during our extensive pretreatment method validation program and during our routine 14C analyses.

Analysis of a coprolite from Conejo Shelter, Texas: Potential ritualistic viperous snake consumption

This paper presents an analysis of the floral and faunal remains of a single human coprolite recovered from Conejo Shelter, Texas (41VV162). The unique contents of this specimen warrant full description. Floral macrobotanical analysis revealed a high density of Agave lechuguilla and Dasylirion spp. fibers. Calcium oxalate crystals confirm the ingestion of Opuntia. Palynological analysis found evidence for a variety of plants with known economic and medicinal uses, with pollen from the Liliaceae (new: Asparagales) family predominating. Zooarchaeological analysis found the remains of a small rodent, evidently eaten whole, with no indication of preparation or cooking. Notably, the bones, scales and a fang of a snake in the Viperidae family were also recovered from the coprolite, which is the first direct archaeological evidence of venomous snake consumption known to the researchers. With the exception of the Viperidae remains, the coprolite evidence is consistent with previous research at Conejo Shelter and the Lower Pecos region. Recently assayed radiocarbon samples from this coprolite and a second, unprocessed coprolite from the same archaeological provenience produced a date range of 1460–1528 cal BP. Future analyses of coprolites from this lens and the surrounding contexts will further our current understanding of this unique gastrological event and better situate it in the context of diet patterns and paleoenvironmental adaptions in the Lower Pecos.

Czy rzeczywiście najstarsze – weryfikacyjne badania najwcześniej datowanych gródków stożkowatych

The aim of the presented research is to verify the correctness of the dating of the motte structures which, as a result of earlier excavations, were considered the earliest defensive knight’s seats in Poland – that is, they were dated to the 13th century. So far, the absolute dates were obtained for scarcely a few/a few dozen(?) such structures. However, they were not considered the oldest features. As a result of the literature research, several sites representing typical motte- and-bailey castles which in the previous excavations were dated to the 13th century, were selected. Three of the sites in question were located in the Masovia region: Kielbow Stary, Stara Blotnica commune; Orszymowo, Mala Wieś commune and Wilkanowo (formerly Nakwasin), also located in the Mala Wieś commune. The next two sites are located in the Łodzkie region – Witow, Burzenin commune and Malkow, Warta commune. A further study was conducted in Sedziszow (now in the territory of the village of Pila) in the Świetokrzyskie region, in Piekary – Greater Poland, Dobra commune and in Szczekociny, Silesia. A new geodetic surveying showed some changes in the state of preservation of the study features. Unfortunately, most of them reveal some traces of deepening destruction. The excavations undertaken at six sites yielded samples for the dating studies. The only sites whose excavations provided no materials that could be subjected to laboratory dating tests were in Witow and Sedziszow. Attempts were made to collect samples for dendrochronological, radiocarbon (14C) and thermoluminescence tests. No wood for dendrological research was found at any of the study sites. The samples obtained from six sites were used to measure the 14C radioactive isotope. A series of dating was performed for the study sites. As a result, 4 dates were obtained for Kielbow Stary and Malkowo, 6 – for Piekary and 5 – for Szczekociny. The highest number – 9 dates – were obtained for Orszymowo, whereas for Wilkanowo only 2 dates were produced. The results showed that only in the case of two sites the obtained dates confirm their functioning in the 13th century – they are Malkowo and Orszymowo. Another two sites – Szczekociny and Kielbow Stary – can be dated back to the 14th century, while the dates obtained for the materials from Piekary justify placing the functioning of the feature in the 15th century. In the case of Wilkanowo, the standard calibration calculations produced dates which suggest that the sites represent the modern times. One of the samples, however, may be dated to the 15th century (probability: 91%). Nonetheless, these dates are rather controversial, because Wilkanowo and Orszymowo are the sites situated several kilometres away from each other whilst the excavated pottery materials seem to be very similar. A solution to this problem requires further scrutiny. The attempt to verify the dates produced for the earliest defensive knight’s seats succeeded in part. Only two of the researched sites can in fact be considered to be the 13th century manors. Ipso facto we confirmed that such early dates may be correct, and that already in the thirteenth century, the nobles founded defensive motte-and-bailey castles. Our study clearly shows that the chronology of the earliest Polish knight’s manors, determined on the basis of the previous excavations, should be verified. The results of our work prove that the traditional dating methods used for archaeological artefacts are not precise enough to be used in modern science. We need to put more emphasis on the matter of collecting samples for dating and providing adequate financial resources necessary to perform laboratory tests.

Correlating paleoclimate time series: Sources of uncertainty and potential pitfalls

Comparing paleoclimate time series is complicated by a variety of typical features, including irregular sampling, age model uncertainty (e.g., errors due to interpolation between radiocarbon sampling points) and time uncertainty (uncertainty in calibration), which—taken together—result in unequal and uncertain observation times of the individual time series to be correlated. Several methods have been proposed to approximate the joint probability distribution needed to estimate correlations, most of which rely either on interpolation or temporal downsampling.Here, we compare the performance of some popular approximation methods using synthetic data resembling common properties of real world marine sediment records. Correlations are determined by estimating the parameters of a bivariate Gaussian model from the data using Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling. We complement our pseudoproxy experiments by applying the same methodology to a pair of marine benthic δ18 O records from the Atlantic Ocean.We find that methods based upon interpolation yield better results in terms of precision and accuracy than those which reduce the number of observations. In all cases, the specific characteristics of the studied time series are, however, more important than the choice of a particular interpolation method. Relevant features include the number of observations, the persistence of each record, and the imposed coupling strength between the paired series. In most of our pseudoproxy experiments, uncertainty in observation times introduces less additional uncertainty than unequal sampling and errors in observation times do. Thus, it can be reasonable to rely on published time scales as long as calibration uncertainties are not known.

Micromorphological analysis of the deposits at the early pottery Xianrendong cave site, China: formation processes and site use in the Late Pleistocene

Excavations at the cave site of Xianrendong (Jiangxi Province, China) recovered the earliest known pottery (20/19,000 cal bp) in the world from a typical South China Upper Paleolithic chopper–chopping tool assemblage together with bone, antler, and shell tools. Here, we present the results of micromorphological and preliminary FTIR analysis of the deposits looking at high-resolution evidence of site formation processes, stratigraphic integrity, and spatial use of the site. The excavations in the cave can be divided into two areas, east and west. We demonstrate that the contexts of the micromorphological samples from both areas show negligible disturbances within the deposits, thus supporting the stratigraphic integrity of the radiocarbon samples used to date the pottery and site sequence. We also find differences in the formation processes between the east and west areas, including evidence of anthropogenic activities such as usage of hearths and dumping areas and differing geogenic inputs during the depositional history of each area. This study, the first of its kind for a Chinese Upper Paleolithic cave site, demonstrates the advantages of the systematic use of geoarchaeological methods (micromorphology and FTIR) for reconstructing human activities and site use and their environmental contexts.

Data Recovery Excavations at the Snakeskin Bluff Site (41GU177), Guadalupe County, Texas

Data Recovery Excavations at the Snakeskin Bluff Site (41GU177), Guadalupe County, Texas

Historical Reconstruction of the Scarcely Recognized Metallurgical Activity in Poland

Ironworks were located in the river valley floors as the water was the source of energy for the metallurgical technology. Trees growing in river valleys were a source of wood for charcoal production. Over the past centuries, ferrous metallurgy contributed to the transformation of the valley floor relief. Also the structure of the sediments was transformed. The subject of historical water-powered metallurgy in Poland is a poorly researched area from the perspective of natural sciences. The main research aim of this project, is a historical reconstruction of the scarcely recognized metallurgical activity, based on geomorphological, sedimentological and palaeobotnical changes in the environment. The project has two components complementary to each other. First part involves desk-based research during which digital data from air laser scanning is processed to determine the occurrence and distribution of potential forms related to the historical metallurgy, and an analysis of historical sources will be undertaken. In the next step, first fieldwork, and then the preparation of samples for radiocarbon and anthracological analysis will follow. During the fieldwork part, research will be carried out on an area of chosen river basins of the southern and central Poland. The research will be based on the geomorphological analysis in the places where potential or identified metallurgical centers were placed, along with the excavation of deposits and sampling for further analysis, both in the charcoal kilns and the former smelter ponds. If it proves possible, it is planned to expose the deposits in the weirs. Preliminary research contradicts the low invasiveness of historical metallurgy in the environment. According to the preliminary studies of the authors, it is known that in studied river valleys and adjacent areas, traces of former charcoal kilns have been found at a large scale (tens of thousands of forms). DEM images generated from airborne LiDAR data allow simple and relatively quick identification and inventory of the remnants past charcoal production. The large number of charcoal kilns, and the vast area they cover, indicate that the past charcoal production has had a significant impact on the environment of studied area. Analysis of the species composition of charcoals collected from kilns has shown the presence of pine wood mainly. Also the unexpected results of the first radioisotopic charcoals dating from the charcoal kilns, with dates of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, provide a particularly strong motivation for examining more forms in order to find equally spectacular results and to confirm a new perception of the beginning of water-powered metallurgy in Poland.

Compound-Specific Radiocarbon Analysis by Elemental Analyzer-Accelerator Mass Spectrometry: Precision and Limitations.

We examine instrumental and methodological capabilities for microscale (10-50 μg of C) radiocarbon analysis of individual compounds in the context of paleoclimate and paleoceanography applications, for which relatively high-precision measurements are required. An extensive suite of data for 14C-free and modern reference materials processed using different methods and acquired using an elemental-analyzer-accelerator-mass-spectrometry (EA-AMS) instrumental setup at ETH Zurich was compiled to assess the reproducibility of specific isolation procedures. In order to determine the precision, accuracy, and reproducibility of measurements on processed compounds, we explore the results of both reference materials and three classes of compounds (fatty acids, alkenones, and amino acids) extracted from sediment samples. We utilize a MATLAB code developed to systematically evaluate constant-contamination-model parameters, which in turn can be applied to measurements of unknown process samples. This approach is computationally reliable and can be used for any blank assessment of small-size radiocarbon samples. Our results show that a conservative lower estimate of the sample sizes required to produce relatively high-precision 14C data (i.e., with acceptable errors of <5% on final 14C ages) and high reproducibility in old samples (i.e., F14C ≈ 0.1) using current isolation methods are 50 and 30 μg of C for alkenones and fatty acids, respectively. Moreover, when the F14C is >0.5, a precision of 2% can be achieved for alkenone and fatty acid samples containing ≥15 and 10 μg of C, respectively.

Highly-resolved radiocarbon measurements on shells from Kalba, UAE, using carbonate handling system and gas ion source with MICADAS

The Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) represents a flexible AMS system for measuring radiocarbon samples either in the form of graphite or CO2 gas. We used the possibility to attach a carbonate handling system (CHS) to the gas ion source (GIS) to measure smaller amounts of carbonates (<500 µg) than is usually required for graphite samples (1 mg). We determined a blank correction for different sample sizes (F14C ranging from ∼0.0045 to ∼0.017) from graphs. The use of OXA II as solid target and as gas fed through the GIS is presented. Cross-contamination is detected to be in the range of ∼6%, but depends on the sample size and 14C content of the previous sample. Our system delivers reliable data for sample sizes down to 30 µg C when enough blanks (here > 3) are used to clean the system. We tested the CHS-GIS combination on heated and unheated archaeological shells of Anadara uropigimelana from Kalba, Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even though the amount of carbon in the samples was small (4–22 µg C) the performance of the CO2 dating system permits the comparison of trends in the 14C data to stable isotope measurements (δ18O and δ13C). With 10–20 µg C, however, our sample sizes were too small, suffering from cross-contamination and elevated blanks, and our blank samples prior to the small samples were not enough. Hence, an interpretation in combination with the stable isotope data was not possible beyond comparison of trends.

Exploring ecodynamics of coastal foragers using integrated faunal records from Čḯxwicən village (Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington, U.S.A.)

Extensive 2004 excavation of Čḯxwicən (pronounced ch-WHEET-son), traditional home of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe in northwest Washington State, U.S.A., documented human occupation spanning the last 2700 years with fine geo-stratigraphic control and 102 radiocarbon samples. Remains of multiple plankhouses were documented. Occupation spans large-magnitude earthquakes, periods of climate change, and change in nearshore habitat. Our project began in 2012 as a case study to explore the value of human ecodynamics in explaining change and stability in human-animal relationships on the Northwest Coast through analysis of faunal and geo-archaeological records. Field sampling was explicitly designed to allow for integration of all faunal classes (birds, fish, mammals, and invertebrates), thus facilitating our ability to track how different taxa were affected by external factors and cultural processes. With over one million specimens, the faunal assemblage represents one of the largest on the North Pacific Coast. Invertebrate records reveal striking changes in intertidal habitat that are linked to the formation of the sheltered harbor and catastrophic events such as tsunamis. Analysis suggests a high level of consistency in the structure of resource use (evenness and richness) across 2150 years of occupation, despite increase in intensity of human use and a shift to plankhouse occupation. Trends in fish and invertebrate representation do not correspond to changing ocean conditions, while changes in abundance of herring, salmon, burrowing bivalves and urchins are consistent with impacts from tsunamis. Comparison of resource use between two well-sampled houses before and after one tsunami suggests that while both households were resilient, they negotiated the event in different ways.

The new sample preparation line for radiocarbon measurements at the INFN Bari Laboratory

Many versatile applications in the life/earth science are based on the measurement of the radiocarbon. These applications are often limited by the minimum amount of carbon that can be measured in the sample: minimum size radiocarbon samples can be affected by contamination introduced during the sample preparation. Comprehensive systematic investigations to reduce the sample size limit down to a few micrograms carbon are currently in progress in the INFN CHNet − Lilliput experiment. For such goal, a new original graphite preparation facility has been installed at the INFN Laboratory of Bari (Italy). The CO 2 from the combusted sample is purified using a simple vacuum line set-up. The produced graphite targets will be measured using the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) at the INFN-LABEC Laboratory of Florence (Italy) where, since 2004, sample measurements for radiocarbon dating are performed. • A new original graphite preparation facility has been installed at the INFN Laboratory of Bari (Italy). • The procedure to convert a raw sample into suitable graphite involves three stages: the pre-treatment process, the combustion of the sample and the graphitization process. • The produced graphite targets is measured using the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) at the INFN-LABEC Laboratory of Florence (Italy). • Preliminary performance results have been obtained and several tests are planned with several materials.