This archaeological study used strontium isotope ratios in sheep and goat tooth enamel to ask whether livestock eaten at an Iron Age site in north-east Spain were raised locally. Comparison with modern plant baselines indicated local rearing within a few kilometers throughout the occupation.
Key numbers
- Strontium isotope ratios were reported for 34 archaeological sheep and goat enamel samples, 2 archaeological bones and 14 modern tree leaves (Abstract, p. 1).
- No exposure-relevant strontium concentrations are reported.
Methods (brief)
Enamel was sampled from archaeological teeth and modern leaves were collected across geological units; strontium was separated and isotope ratios were measured by mass spectrometry and compared with the local bioavailable range.
Evidence fitness
Supports strontium isotope ratios as an animal-provenance tool. It does not support dietary exposure, concentration or toxicity statements.
Limitations
Archaeological isotope-ratio study; no concentrations, no modern foods, no health outcomes.
Related evidence
Update history
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