Strontium isotopic analysis as an experimental auxiliary technique in forensic identification of human remains

Abstract

Strontium isotopic analysis has been used in the last three decades to trace the (geological) source of both archaeological and modern organic and inorganic materials. This paper reports on the application of Sr isotopic analysis via multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry to present-day forensic investigations. By determining the 87Sr/86Sr ratio, the geological origin of Sr in human remains such as bone and tooth enamel can be revealed. In this way, an attempt at unravelling the geographical–geological area of residence of the person in question is made, from birth until the last years of his/her life. Although the technique is neither detailed nor exclusive in determining the residence of a person during life, it can provide essential clues in reconstructing the origin or provenance of human remains and in this way, help in the identification of unidentified individuals in a forensic context.