ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1986
Page Count: 8

Reassembling Scattered and Mixed Human Bones by Trace Element Ratios
Fulton, BA
Director of analytical services, Ampex Co., GA

Meloan, CE
Professor of analytical chemistry, Kansas State University, KS

Finnegan, M
Professor of physical anthropology, Kansas State University, KS

(Received 26 August 1985; accepted 13 December 1985)

Abstract

Trace metal ratios in human bones were examined to determine if there were ratios that were sufficiently consistent within an individual yet varying sufficiently from the bones of another individual so that bones in a mixed grave could be reassembled. The concentrations of 21 elements sampled at 54 places on 30 human bones in each of 5 skeletons indicated that the magnesium/zinc ratio was the most reliable and that the zinc/sodium, magnesium/sodium, and chromium/sodium ratios could be used as supplements to help reassemble human bones belonging to the same individual after all standard techniques had been used.

Keywords:
physical anthropology, musculoskeletal system, trace elements, bones, chromium, magnesium, sodium, zinc

Paper ID: JFS11925J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11925J
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