Comparison of the distributions of bromine, lead, and zinc in tooth and bone from an ancient Peruvian burial site by X-ray fluorescence

Abstract

Synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence was used to study the distribution of selected trace elements (Zn, Pb, and Br) in tooth and bone samples obtained from an individual from a pre-Columbian archaeological site (Cabur) located on the north coast of Peru. The results show that Zn, Pb, and Br are present in both the teeth and bone samples and that the Zn and Pb seem to be confined to similar regions (cementum and periostium), while Br shows a novel distribution with enrichment close to the Haversian canals and (or) in regions that appear to be Ca deficient.Key words: teeth, bone, metals, XRF, Br, Zn, and Pb.