Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
[Study on the Element Composition of Ancient Fossils and Meteorites]
Abstract:
The ancient fossils are formed by the ancient animals and plants after a long geological period and geological processes. They have witnessed the history of the earth and recorded the information of the evolution of the earth’s ecological environment; Meteorites traveling in the solar system for a long time with the abrasion of nuclear reactions and atmosphere of the universe, have formed a unique shape and texture. They recorded the original information about the formation and evolution of out space. The analysis of the ancient fossils composition is the scientific basis for the study of the origin and evolution of the earth; the meteorites as rock sample from outer space are gifts from nature. They are extremely valuable and rare; the analysis of the composition of meteorites can provide a better foundation for the development of the foreign planet exploration and the development of the celestial chemistry. In this paper, the method of sample dissolution was selected and optimized. The final choice of nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid and perchloric acid as the mixed reagent, a microwave digestion method was used in treatment of ancient fossil samples; The aqua regia, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid and perchloric acid as the mixed reagent, both microwave digestion method and wet digestion method were used in treatment of meteorite samples. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used to determine three different ancient fossil samples and three meteorite samples. And the content of same elements was compared. Analysis results show that the ancient fossils and meteorites contain Pb, Hg, Ge, Fe, Ni, Cu, Co, Mn and other heavy metal elements as well as part of the rare earth element. The standard addition recovery of the method was between 98.2%~106%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 2.12%. The method had high sensitivity, accuracy and precision.
More Related Videos
10:14Author Spotlight: Leaf Trait Analysis for Climate and Ecology Reconstruction in Modern and Ancient Plant Communities
Published on: October 25, 2024
07:30Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography
Published on: November 14, 2025
Related Concept Videos
The Fossil Record
Classifying Matter by Composition
According to its composition, the matter can be classified into two broad categories — pure substances and mixtures.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a constant composition throughout with uniform properties. For example, any sample of sucrose has the same composition and same physical properties, such as melting point, color, and sweetness, regardless of the source from which it is isolated.
A mixture is composed of two or...
Elements and Compounds
Elements
Elements are classified as atomic or molecular based on the nature of their basic units. They are unique forms of matter with specific chemical and physical properties that cannot break down into smaller substances by ordinary chemical reactions. There...
Periodic Classification of the Elements
Classification of Elements and Compounds
Compounds are pure substances composed of two or more elements in fixed, definite proportions. Compounds are classified as ionic or molecular (covalent) based on the bonds...
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition