Trace-element analysis of human teeth and bone by proton-induced X-ray emission

Area of Science:

• Biogeochemistry
• Forensic Anthropology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Elemental analysis of human remains provides insights into diet, environment, and health.
• Teeth and bone serve as valuable archives for long-term elemental exposure.
• Understanding elemental distribution can aid in forensic investigations and paleopathological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), bromine (Br), strontium (Sr), and molybdenum (Mo) in human tooth crown, root, and jaw bone.
• To investigate elemental interrelationships within these hard tissues.

Main Methods:

• Samples of tooth crown, root, and jaw bone from a single 97-year-old female cadaver were analyzed.
• Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis using a 3.8-MeV proton beam was employed.
• Statistical analysis, including the F-test, was used to compare elemental concentrations across sample types.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in Fe, Zn, and Pb concentrations were observed among tooth crown, root, and bone.
• No significant differences in Cu, Br, Sr, and Mo concentrations were found across the three sample types.
• Several elements exhibited high interrelationships within the analyzed samples.

Conclusions:

• Elemental distribution in human teeth and bone is element-specific, with Fe, Zn, and Pb showing distinct patterns.
• The findings contribute to the understanding of elemental deposition and potential use in forensic and anthropological contexts.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these elemental distribution patterns.