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'Smrčka V, Mihaljevič M, Zocová J, Ondřej Š, Humpolová A, Berkovec T, Dočkalová M, 2008: Trace-elemental analysis of skeletal remains of humans and animals at the Neolithic settlement in Vedrovice (Czech Republic). Anthropologie (Brno) 46, 2-3: 219-226'. |
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| Abstract | | The chemical composition of bones in 32 animal and 10 human individuals was studied at the Neolithic settlement in Vedrovice. The contents of Ca, Mg, K, Fe, N, V, Cr, Co, Ni, As, Y, Cd, Ba, Pb, U, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The highest contents of trace elements, including the rare earth elements (REE) amongst human skeletons were detected in the group of newborns. The bone contents of the elements Zn, Pb, Mn, Fe, Cu, Mg, Cr, Co, Ni, As, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and U follow an age growth curve. Differences in the inorganic bone content of trace elements were found amongst 32 animals (V, Ba) and the human population represented by 10 skeletons (Cu, Ni). The different composition of female skeletal remains could be associated with a different composition of females' food compared to the rest of the population. The group of trace elements Pb, Cd, Yb and Lu indicates a possible impact of the external environment on the skeletons of children, newborns and wild animals related to the accumulation of these elements in forest fruits. Multi-elemental analysis of skeletal remains enables a comparison of relationships between the elements analysed that are not apparent in small groups. | | | | Keywords | | Chemical composition - Bones - Humans and animals - Diet - Environment | | |
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