Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Microanalysis of Trace Elements in Homo Sapiens Teeth

Abstract

Two of the main items from which to retrieve data in anthropology are teeth and bones. Identification of trace elements in their composition allows valuable information to be obtained about alimentary habits and community life conditions of groups and individuals. Conventional methods used to determine the presence of trace elements require sample preparation, with partial or total destruction of the pieces, which in most cases are unique. In this work we show the possibilities of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a nearly nondestructive tool in anthropology and paleontology for the measurement of the presence and distribution of trace elements in teeth. We applied LIBS to the determination of strontium and magnesium in dentin and enamel of Neolithic, middle age, and modern Homo sapiens teeth. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca distribution maps of dentin and enamel in modern teeth were created using the data obtained. Ablation threshold fluences of dentin and enamel were also measured using the photoacoustic signal induced by laser ablation. Significant variations were found in the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in the tooth dental tissue and between the teeth of the groups and individuals studied. These results can be useful for evolutionary anthropology studies as they can provide information regarding early nutrition, seasonality, and residential mobility.

Chemical Differentiation of Osseous, Dental, and Non-skeletal Materials in Forensic Anthropology using Elemental Analysis

“…Research is being conducted to establish past dietary habits by using stable isotope analysis to detect specific trace element ratios associated with particular dietary patterns [26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Environmental contaminants, such as F or Pb in the water supply, will also be incorporated into the bone matrix [33].…”

Variation of Ba/Ca and Sr/Ca Response in Human Hard Tissue from Archaeological Series

“…Recently, laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA ICP-MS) has been used to detect the spatial distribution of Sr, Ca and Ba in separate human skeletal tissues from archaeological samples (Alvira et al 2010;Austin et al 2013;Dolphin et al 2005;Prohaska et al 2002). Using LA ICP-MS, we can easily observe the differences between tissues and investigate the causes of these differences.…”

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of human deciduous teeth samples

“…Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is one of the simplest techniques for the evaluation of plasma parameters as well as elemental concentration [1]. In this technique, an intense laser light is used to ablate the target material, and emission spectra from the plasma plume are probed with the help of a high-resolution spectrometer.…”

“…The knowledge of elemental composition of an archeological artifact is very helpful for archaeologists, physicists, and anthropologists in characterization of various aspects of past populations. In this regard, the concentration of trace elements in calcified tissues gives information about the environment, diet, and living habits of human beings [1,4].…”

“…The quantitative analysis of detected element accumulation in teeth using LIBS has been investigated by various research groups [1,9,10]. Samek et al [11] have investigated the close link between the elements found in toothpastes and tooth filling with those present in the teeth of different age groups of children.…”