Keywords

bioarchaeology, HHXRF, dental enamel, Altun Ha, Dakhleh, trace element analysis

Subject Categories

Anthropology | Archaeological Anthropology | Biological and Physical Anthropology

Abstract

Handheld X-ray fluorescence (HHXRF) spectrometry has been validated as an accurate, non-destructive method for analyzing archaeological osseous materials. This study utilizes HHXRF to address key bioarchaeological questions, including population differentiation, individuation, and the interpretation of bioaccumulated trace elements versus diagenetic impacts. Using dental enamel from the Maya site of Altun Ha, Belize (n=20) and several Roman-Christian sites in the Dakhleh Oasis in Egypt (n=6), the occlusal surface of molar crowns was assayed in air using a Bruker Tracer III- equipped with a 12 mil Al, 1 mil Ti, 6 mil Cu filter. Semi-quantitative trace element ratios (Sr/Ca, Fe/Ca, and Zn/Ca) were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and a Mann-Whitney U test with a Bonferroni correction. Results indicated success in statistically discerning population groupings which were driven primarily by Fe/Ca and Zn/Ca, with secondary contributions from Sr/Ca. Within the Altun Ha population, PCA identified diagenetic signals alongside bioaccumulated influences. Notably, trace element loadings varied by tooth type, with M2 samples showing a shift toward Sr/Ca dominance, possibly aligning with weaning trends at Altun Ha. While LDA classification of individuals was limited (41.33% accuracy), the method successfully identified clear outliers. Conversely, the Dakhleh population showed minimal diagenetic impact, with variance primarily driven by Sr/Ca, suggesting the preservation of bioaccumulated trace element signatures. These findings demonstrate that HHXRF is a viable tool for differentiating trace element signatures between different geographical populations. Variation between tooth types and trace element ratios per individual provides evidence that bioaccumulated trace element signatures are likely still able to be recovered despite the presence of diagenesis. Although overall individuation success was moderate-to-low, HHXRF holds potential for identifying outliers in preliminary analyses. This work expands the practical use of HHXRF in bioarchaeology and presents new routes to investigate non-destructive analyses in cultural heritage.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Williams, Lana

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

Anthropology

Format

PDF

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

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