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Trace elements, maturation processes and diagenesis in human deciduous incisors

Martirosyan, Ani, Jordana, Xavier, Juanhuix, Judith, Cotte, Marine, Molist, Nuria, Irurita, Javier, Santos, Cristiana, Malgosa, Assumpció, Mahoney, Patrick, Molera, Judit and others. (2025) Trace elements, maturation processes and diagenesis in human deciduous incisors. Journal of Archaeological Science, 180 . Article Number 106274. ISSN 0305-4403. E-ISSN 1095-9238. (doi:10.1016/j.jas.2025.106274) (KAR id:109930)

Abstract

Post-mortem alteration of trace elements can complicate the interpretation of original biogenic signals related to diet, environment and enamel maturation processes. This study describes gradients in element concentrations for modern and archaeological deciduous incisor teeth to identify diagenetic variations in specific elements.

Fifteen human deciduous incisors (six modern and nine archaeological) were prepared for synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence (SR µ-XRF) analysis targeting the minerals Ca, P, and selected trace elements Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Ba. Standard histological methods were employed to produce thin sections. Element concentrations, expressed in parts per million (ppm) and as a ratio of calcium (Ca), were measured from the outer enamel surface (OES), into the enamel, across the Neonatal Line (NNL) and enamel-dentin junction (EDJ), and into the dentin.

Diagenesis was most pronounced on the external surfaces of enamel and dentin, with notable variability in Fe, Mn, Cu, and Ba. In contrast, Ca, P, and Zn levels remained stable across samples, with a slight increase in Zn at the NNL. There was no enrichment of Zn at the OES in enamel not yet matured (less than 33-37 postnatal days), suggesting that initial zinc incorporation is overshadowed by further deposition during maturation.

Diagenetic alteration of the Fe, Mn, Cu, and Ba elements in deciduous incisor enamel appears to affect their concentration in regions of the archaeological teeth. The observed Ca and Zn distribution pattern reflects distinct enamel maturation stages, highlighting the need to consider both diagenetic influences and developmental processes in trace element analyses of ancient dental samples.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.jas.2025.106274
Subjects: Q Science
Q Science > QM Human anatomy
Institutional Unit: Schools > School of Natural Sciences > Chemistry and Forensic Science
Former Institutional Unit:
Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Chemistry and Forensics
Funders: University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Depositing User: Patrick Mahoney
Date Deposited: 19 May 2025 08:03 UTC
Last Modified: 22 May 2025 14:55 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/109930 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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