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Effects of particle size, storage conditions, and chemical pretreatments on carbon and oxygen isotopic measurements of modern tooth enamel.
Spencer, Francesca; Verostick, Kirsten; Serna, Alejandro; Stantis, Chris; Bowen, Gabriel J.
Affiliation
  • Spencer F; Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, 115 S 1460 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
  • Verostick K; Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, 115 S 1460 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
  • Serna A; Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, 115 S 1460 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Archaeology, University of York, King's Manor, York YO1 7EP, UK; División Arqueología, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque s/no B1900FWA, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argent
  • Stantis C; Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, 115 S 1460 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
  • Bowen GJ; Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, 115 S 1460 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA. Electronic address: gabe.bowen@utah.edu.
Sci Justice ; 64(2): 193-201, 2024 Mar.
Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38431376
ABSTRACT
Isotopic analysis of human tooth enamel can provide life history information useful in forensic identification. These applications depend on the availability of reference data documenting isotopic values for individuals with known life history and on the comparability of data from reference and case work samples. Here we build on previous methodological research, which has largely focused on paleontological and archaeological samples, and conduct experiments using enamel from modern human teeth targeting three sample preparation variables (sample particle size, storage conditions, and chemical pretreatments). Our results suggest that differences in particle size affect the efficiency of sample reactions during pretreatment and analysis, with coarse particles giving reduced loss of enamel carbonate during acid pretreatments but producing slightly higher oxygen isotope values than fine particles during analysis. Data for samples stored in dry and ambient environments following pretreatment were indistinguishable, suggesting no exchange of oxygen between samples and ambient water vapor. Finally, chemical pretreatments with a range of commonly used reactants and conditions showed a pervasive, moderate oxygen isotope shift associated with acetic acid treatment, which may be caused by exchange of enamel hydroxyl groups with reagents or rinse waters. Collectively, the results emphasize the importance of methodological standardization to improve comparability and reduce potential for bias in the forensic application of tooth enamel isotope data.
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Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Carbon / Dental Enamel Limits: Humans Language: En Journal: Sci Justice Journal subject: JURISPRUDENCIA Year: 2024 Document type: Article Affiliation country: United States Country of publication: United kingdom

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Carbon / Dental Enamel Limits: Humans Language: En Journal: Sci Justice Journal subject: JURISPRUDENCIA Year: 2024 Document type: Article Affiliation country: United States Country of publication: United kingdom