Combining collagen extraction with mineral Zn isotope analyses from a single sample for robust palaeoecological investigations

Abstract

Collagen extraction from bones or dentine, commonly used for radiocarbon (14C) dating and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analyses, involves the dissolution of the bioapatite of skeletal elements. This fraction is typically disposed of during pretreatment. Here, we test the possibility of utilising this dissolved mineral solution for analysis of the bioapatite zinc isotope composition (δ66Zn). Bioapatite δ66Zn is a novel trophic level indicator similar to collagen δ15N but with isotopic fractionation independent from nitrogen, thus providing additional dietary information. We tested ways to minimise Zn contamination of the dissolved mineral phase during collagen extraction. We then used archaeological bone samples from Ain Difla (Jordan) and Ranis (Germany) to compare δ66Zn values of dissolved bioapatite following our collagen extraction protocol with δ66Zn values from the same sample material dissolved in a metal-free cleanroom. Our results demonstrate that with only minor adjustments to minimise Zn contamination, the dissolved mineral solution from collagen extraction protocols commonly employed for 14C dating and (palaeo)dietary analysis can be used for additional δ66Zn analyses even when collagen extraction does not take place in a cleanroom. Our protocol allows us to gain an additional dietary proxy to complement δ15N trophic level interpretations and perform more robust (palaeo)ecological investigations without further destructive sampling.

Shark teeth zinc isotope values document intrapopulation foraging differences related to ontogeny and sex

“…Notably, δ 66 Zn and δ 15 N are measured in different components of skeletal tissues, bioapatite and collagen respectively, and are metabolically and environmentally independent of each other. As such, a combined analysis of both trophic level proxies offers the potential of gaining additional ecological information, cross-verification of results and correction for environmental and/or physiological factors influencing either proxy 50 . The inclusion of δ 66 Zn may also provide a more direct comparability of marine species trophic ecology between spatially and temporally distinct locations than possible by traditional isotope analysis alone.…”