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Updated: Aug 2, 2025
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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
17.6K
Mapping bone microstructure trace element composition: Sr, Ba, Cu, and Pb in an early modern Danish skeleton
George R Milner1, Hugh R Milner2, Jesper L Boldsen3
1Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
American Journal of Biological Anthropology
|April 19, 2023
Summary
Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis of human bone reveals trace element changes over a lifetime. This method enhances Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) data, offering insights into past diets and socioeconomic factors.
Area of Science:
- Bioarchaeology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Geospatial Analysis
Background:
- Cortical bone preserves trace element data reflecting an individual's life history.
- Traditional bulk bone analysis limits the resolution of dietary and environmental exposures.
- Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) provides elemental data but requires advanced spatial analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate Geographical Information System (GIS) with LA-ICP-MS for high-resolution trace element analysis in human cortical bone.
- To investigate dietary (Sr, Ba) and socioeconomic (Pb, Cu) indicators within individual osteons.
- To reconstruct an individual's life history through detailed chemical profiling of bone microstructure.
Main Methods:
- A GIS approach was applied to LA-ICP-MS data from a human femoral cross-section (early modern period, Ribe, Denmark).
- Concentrations of Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Lead (Pb), and Copper (Cu) were mapped to individual osteons and osteon sequences.
- Postmortem chemical alterations were assessed and limited to bone margins.
Main Results:
- Trace element concentrations (Sr, Ba, Pb, Cu) varied within individual osteons and osteon sequences.
- Dietary indicators (Sr, Ba) and socioeconomic indicators (Pb, Cu) showed correlations.
- Osteon sequences indicated an increase in all four elements late in the individual's life.
Conclusions:
- GIS integration with LA-ICP-MS significantly enhances the analysis of trace elements in cortical bone microstructure.
- This combined methodology allows for more precise reconstruction of past individual life histories and exposures.
- Tracking elements like Lead (Pb) across an individual's lifespan becomes more feasible, providing valuable insights into historical health and environmental conditions.
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