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Ammer ST, Routhledge N, Davies GR, van Asten AC, Verdegaal-Warmerdam SJ, Kootker LM. Enhancing the contemporary human and water isotope reference database for the Netherlands: New insights from Sr-O-C-N-H isotope data. iScience 2024; 27:109561. [PMID: 38644979 PMCID: PMC11026730 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The determination of an individual's geographic origin is an essential aspect of forensic investigations. When primary identifiers cannot be used to make a positive identification, isotope analysis can be utilized to provide new leads. Modern reference data are essential for accurate interpretation of human isotopic data in terms of diet and origin. This article presents Sr-O-C-N-H isotope data of modern individuals (hair, dental enamel, and dentine collagen) and drinking water from the Netherlands. The δ15N values of human hair fall within the range of values observed worldwide and cannot be utilized to differentiate from other countries. Distinct disparities in the hair δ13C are evident between European countries and other regions, making it possible to exclude the Netherlands as a region of origin. Comparing Dutch dental isotope data to those of other nations has proven difficult due to the limited availability of reference data. The same limitation applies to tap water δ2H data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia T.M. Ammer
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nathan Routhledge
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Gareth R. Davies
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C. van Asten
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
- Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Suzan J.A. Verdegaal-Warmerdam
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette M. Kootker
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Sehrawat JS, Agrawal S, Kenney AP, Grimes V, Rai N. Use of strontium isotope ratios in potential geolocation of Ajnala skeletal remains: a forensic archeological study. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:615-626. [PMID: 37853301 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03109-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Stable isotope methods for provenance of unidentified human remains are relatively a newer field of enquiry in forensic archeology. It is of great interest for forensic experts these days. The application of strontium isotope analyses for estimating geolocation of archeological remains is of great interest in bioarcheology and modern forensics. The strontium (Sr) isotope composition of human bones and teeth has been widely used to reconstruct an individual's geo-affiliation, residential mobility, and migration history. Thousands of unknown human remains, reportedly belonging to 282 Indian soldiers of 26th Native Bengal regiment and killed in 1857, were exhumed non-scientifically from an abandoned well situated underneath a religious structure at Ajnala (Amritsar, India). Whether these remains belonged to the individuals, local or non-local to the site, was the important forensic archeological question to be answered by doing their thorough forensic anthropological examinations. In the present study, 27 mandibular teeth (18 s molars, 6 first molars, and 3 premolars) collected from the Ajnala skeletal assemblage were processed for strontium isotope analysis, and the measured ratios were compared with published isotope baseline data to estimate the locality status of these remains. The Sr isotopic values were concentrated in the range of 0.7175 to 0.7270. The comparative analysis of isotopic ratios revealed that most individuals buried in the Ajnala well have 87Sr/86Sr values close to the river as well as groundwater of the Gangetic plain (less radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ~ 0.716); most likely originated near Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh, India) region, whereas the individuals with higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (~ 0.7200) probably resided in the West Bengal and Bihar areas where the river as well as groundwater of the Gangetic plain is relatively more radiogenic. Thus, the strontium isotope results reveal that the Ajnala individuals did not grow up or live in the Amritsar region during their childhood, and this observation complemented the previous forensic anthropological and molecular findings. There is very little Indian data on the bioavailable strontium, so the inferences from the present study estimating Sr isotope abundances are expected to provide baseline data for future forensic provenance studies that will contribute to the global efforts of mapping Sr isotope variations by the isotope community.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Sehrawat
- Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
| | | | - Andrew P Kenney
- Department of Archaeology, Memorial University, St. John's, NF, Canada
| | - Vaughan Grimes
- Department of Archaeology and Department of Earth Sciences (Cross-Appointed), Memorial University, St. John's, NF, Canada
| | - Niraj Rai
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleosciences, Lucknow, India
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Kootker LM, Ammer STM, Wescott DJ, Davies GR, Mickleburgh HL. Sr-Pb isotope differences in pre- and post-burial human bone, teeth, and hair keratin: implications for isotope forensics. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:151-164. [PMID: 36820918 PMCID: PMC10772009 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The isotopic signatures of human tissues can provide valuable information on geographic origin for medicolegal investigations involving unidentified persons. It is important to understand the impact of diagenetic processes on isotopic signatures, as alterations could result in incorrect estimation of geographic origin. This study examines alterations in isotope signatures of different tissues of five human body donors studied throughout decomposition at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), San Marcos, TX. Two body donors were buried, two were placed in open pits, and one was first allowed to naturally mummify and then buried. Remains were recovered after a period of 7-34 months. The preplacement and post-recovery Sr-Pb isotope data of scalp hair, bone (iliac and tibia), and tooth enamel and dentine were compared. The hair samples record significant shifts in Sr-Pb isotope compositions, with hair keratin Pb isotope composition shifting towards the Pb signature of local soil samples. Hair keratin Sr isotope compositions were altered by the burial environment and possibly also by the lab sample cleaning method. The spongy iliac bone samples show inconsistencies in the recoverability of the preplacement Sr-Pb isotope signatures. The post-placement signatures of the buried donors show slight elevation over preplacement signatures. The post-placement signatures of donors placed in open pits are significantly elevated. The tibia and dental samples record the most consistent isotopic data with the least alteration. These more densely mineralised elements show good recoverability of the preplacement isotope signatures in burials and open pits and are thus deemed better targets for forensic investigative purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette M Kootker
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Co Van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Saskia T M Ammer
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co Van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Centre, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Gareth R Davies
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Co Van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Forensic Anthropology Centre, Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
- Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94203, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Bataille CP, Ammer STM, Bhuiyan S, Chartrand MMG, St-Jean G, Bowen GJ. Multi-isotopes in human hair: A tool to initiate cross-border collaboration in international cold-cases. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275902. [PMID: 36288264 PMCID: PMC9603990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Unidentified human remains have historically been investigated nationally by law enforcement authorities. However, this approach is outdated in a globalized world with rapid transportation means, where humans easily move long distances across borders. Cross-border cooperation in solving cold-cases is rare due to political, administrative or technical challenges. It is fundamental to develop new tools to provide rapid and cost-effective leads for international cooperation. In this work, we demonstrate that isotopic measurements are effective screening tools to help identify cold-cases with potential international ramifications. We first complete existing databases of hydrogen and sulfur isotopes in human hair from residents across North America by compiling or analyzing hair from Canada, the United States (US) and Mexico. Using these databases, we develop maps predicting isotope variations in human hair across North America. We demonstrate that both δ2H and δ34S values of human hair are highly predictable and display strong spatial patterns. Multi-isotope analysis combined with dual δ2H and δ34S geographic probability maps provide evidence for international travel in two case studies. In the first, we demonstrate that multi-isotope analysis in bulk hair of deceased border crossers found in the US, close to the Mexico-US border, help trace their last place of residence or travel back to specific regions of Mexico. These findings were validated by the subsequent identification of these individuals through the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner in Tucson, Arizona. In the second case study, we demonstrate that sequential multi-isotope analysis along the hair strands of an unidentified individual found in Canada provides detailed insights into the international mobility of this individual during the last year of life. In both cases, isotope data provide strong leads towards international travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément P. Bataille
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Saskia T. M. Ammer
- Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shelina Bhuiyan
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gilles St-Jean
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriel J. Bowen
- Department of Geology & Geophysics and Global Change & Sustainability Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
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Shin WJ, Gautam MK, Shim JY, Lee HS, Park S, Lee KS. Spatial distributions of strontium isotope ratios in human hair and tap water from South Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151352. [PMID: 34728202 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural variations of 87Sr/86Sr ratios in biological samples, such as human hair, provide a biological record of provenance. Spatial distribution maps reflecting heterogeneity in isotopic signatures across large geographical regions are helpful for discerning the provenance and mobility of organisms. In this national-scale study conducted across South Korea, we investigated the spatial distribution patterns of 87Sr/86Sr ratios in human hair and tap water samples to determine their spatial variabilities and the relationships of isotopic signatures between hair and tap water. The strontium isoscapes of tap water and hair showed similar spatial distribution patterns. Non-parametric comparison indicated no significant differences in isotopic ratios between the two sample types. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios in human hair showed a significant and strong correlation with the ratios in tap water in eastern Korea, suggesting potential use of 87Sr/86Sr ratios in provenance studies. However, tap water and hair samples from western Korea did not show significant correlation between them, overall reducing the predictive power of the hair 87Sr/86Sr ratios for provenance studies. The deviation between 87Sr/86Srtap water and 87Sr/86Srhair was much larger in western coastal areas than in eastern Korea. Relatively high utilization of groundwater or exogenous materials, such as Asian dust, may have been responsible for this pattern. To fully utilize the potential of the strontium isotope signature as a biorecorder in provenance studies, it is essential to evaluate the effects of groundwater and other exogenous materials on the isotope signatures of hair and other biological samples. In this study, only hair samples from males were used to develop 87Sr/86Sr isoscapes. Therefore, further studies are required to examine the applicability of 87Sr/86Sr hair isoscapes based solely on human hair samples from males to forensic and provenance studies of human hair samples from females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jin Shin
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Mukesh Kumar Gautam
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea; Biology Department, Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, New York, NY 11225, USA
| | - Ji-Yu Shim
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Seul Lee
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghee Park
- Center for Research Equipment, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Sik Lee
- Research Center for Geochronology and Isotope Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
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Fauberteau AE, Chartrand MM, Hu L, St-Jean G, Bataille CP. Investigating a cold case using high-resolution multi-isotope profiles in human hair. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Hu L, Chartrand MMG, St-Jean G, Lopes M, Bataille CP. Assessing the Reliability of Mobility Interpretation From a Multi-Isotope Hair Profile on a Traveling Individual. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.568943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Ammer STM, Kootker LM, Bartelink EJ, Anderson BE, Cunha E, Davies GR. Comparison of strontium isotope ratios in Mexican human hair and tap water as provenance indicators. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110422. [PMID: 32717657 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Deceased undocumented border crossers are some of the most difficult individuals to identify due to the inability to narrow down the region of origin and therefore to obtain family reference samples for DNA comparison. The isotopic compositions of various body tissues have been demonstrated to be useful biomarkers for tracking locations and movements to aid in the identification of human remains. This study closes the large spatial gap of available 87Sr/86Sr ratios from North America in tap water and presents the first 87Sr/86Sr human tissue-based ratios from Mexico. The 101 hair samples from 32 locations in Mexico range in 87Sr/86Sr ratios from 0.70424 to 0.71613 (ΔSrmax-min=0.01189). Furthermore, 151 tap water samples from 51 locations range between 0.70404 to 0.71385 (ΔSrmax-min=0.00981). Overall, small variations in the hair and tap water samples collected from individual locations were recorded (ΔSrmax-min=0.00041 and 0.00034 respectively). Despite the fact that Mexico is one of the largest bottled water consumers in the world, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of human hair and tap water correlated strongly (R2=0.87 for location averages and R2=0.80 when using individual data points). These data represent a valuable resource for identifying the provenance of human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia T M Ammer
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, 3000-456, Portugal.
| | - Lisette M Kootker
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eric J Bartelink
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, Chico, CA, 95929-0400, United States
| | - Bruce E Anderson
- Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, 2825 E District St, Tucson, AZ, 85714, United States
| | - Eugénia Cunha
- University of Coimbra, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, 3000-456, Portugal
| | - Gareth R Davies
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Geology & Geochemistry Cluster, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Centre (CLHC), Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Hu L, Fernandez DP, Cerling TE, Tipple BJ. Fast exchange of strontium between hair and ambient water: Implication for isotopic analysis in provenance and forensic studies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233712. [PMID: 32469972 PMCID: PMC7259688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trace elements in hair originate from intake (e.g., diet, inhalation, skin absorption), are transported in the bloodstream, and then incorporated during hair formation. However, the trace element abundance and isotopic compositions may be altered by post-eruption environmental processes. Such alterations must be addressed to obtain a meaningful interpretation of hair analysis for biomonitoring. In this study, we used strontium (Sr) isotopic analysis together with sorption kinetics of ionic Sr to quantify the rate and extent of replacement of endogenous Sr in hair by exogenous Sr from ambient water. We found that with only 10 minutes of exposure at room temperature (22°C), more than 30% of original endogenous Sr in hair was replaced with exogenous Sr from the solution. After 16 days of exposure to the solution, more than 90% of endogenous Sr was replaced, with a warmer temperature (60°C) accelerating the exchange substantially. We also found that acid leaching of exposed hair did not remove or isolate the exogenous Sr; therefore, neither the original endogenous nor the exogenous 87Sr/86Sr signal could be separated. Nonetheless, these findings illustrated that the quantitative correlation between the fraction of exogenous Sr and the soaking time, if established, could be used to estimate the length of water contact time for hair in forensic studies. Even if such time since initial contact cannot be established, the combination of acid leaching and 87Sr/86Sr analysis of hair samples may still be valuable in provenance studies to identify recent changes in the exogenous Sr pool, including movements or changes in water source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihai Hu
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Diego P. Fernandez
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Thure E. Cerling
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Brett J. Tipple
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
- Global Change and Sustainability Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
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