Insights into biogenic and diagenetic lead exposure in experimentally altered modern and archaeological bone: Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence imaging

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148144
• Publication Date: 2021-06-01T02:56:36Z
• Authors: Rachel Simpson; Tamara L. Varney; Ian Coulthard; Treena Swanston; Vaughan Grimes; T. Jessica A. Mun...; Rimantas Jankauskas; David M.L. Cooper
• Keywords: Archaeology; Lead; X-Rays; Optical Imaging; Humans; Pb ; skeletal microstructure ; SR-XFI ; diagenesis ; biogenicity; 01 natural sciences; Synchrotrons; Aged; 0104 chemical sciences

Bones represent a valuable biological archive of environmental lead (Pb) exposure for modern and archaeological populations. Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence imaging (SR-XFI) generates maps Pb in bone on microstructural scale, potentially providing insights into an individual's history and, the context bone, biogenic or diagenetic nature its uptake. The aims this study were to (1) examine spatial patterns from samples cadavers compared with observed archaeologically, (2) test hypothesis that there are differences distribution modes uptake bone. To address these aims, used inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) SR-XFI unaltered experimentally altered cadaveric (University Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK) 18th 19th century sites Antigua Lithuania. Bone concentrations individuals relatively low those individuals. results provide Saskatchewan some demonstrating pattern higher levels occurring structures older age formed earlier life, likely during era leaded gasoline (pre-1980s), other fairly consistent, low-level exposure. Results support hypotheses corresponding vs. Diagenetic is mainly confined periosteal surface each sample enrichment cracks sub-periosteal canals. This may be useful future differentiating accumulation, analyzing contamination, informing sampling strategies fossil