Global compilation of bioavailable strontium isotope data

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Ecology
• Archaeology
• Forensics
• Environmental Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Bioavailable strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) are crucial for tracing origins and movements.
• Existing regional datasets are fragmented, hindering global applications.
• A comprehensive reference dataset is needed for accurate isotopic mapping (isoscape development).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and harmonize a global dataset of bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr ratios.
• To provide a standardized reference for researchers across diverse disciplines.
• To facilitate the development of global isotopic maps for geolocation and movement studies.

Main Methods:

• Collected and integrated 28,347 published bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr data points.
• Harmonized data from over 150 countries, spanning decades of research.
• Included metadata and method details for data quality assessment.

Main Results:

• Established a comprehensive global bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr dataset.
• The dataset represents a significant aggregation of decades of scientific effort.
• Data is accessible through the IsoArcH and IsoBank repositories.

Conclusions:

• The global strontium isotope dataset serves as a foundational resource for scientific research.
• Enables standardized geolocation and movement reconstructions worldwide.
• Promotes interdisciplinary research by providing a common data foundation.