This study sampled modern plants and animals to map bioavailable strontium isotope ratios across the Conchucos region of the Peruvian Andes. The authors note that bedrock-specific isotope signatures enter skeletal tissue through food and water, which is the basis for distinguishing local from non-local individuals.
Key numbers
- Environmental isotope ratios ranged from 0.7078 to 0.7214 across the region (Abstract, p. 1).
- Survey of 100 modern flora and fauna samples from 14 locations covering about 3,840 square kilometers (Abstract, p. 1).
Methods (brief)
Plants and small-animal tissues were collected across geological formations; strontium was purified and isotope ratios were measured by mass spectrometry to build a regional isoscape.
Evidence fitness
Supports the statement that skeletal strontium isotope signatures derive from food and water. It does not support exposure, concentration or toxicity statements.
Limitations
Isotope ratios only; designed for archaeology, not for modern food safety.
Related evidence
Update history
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