Preparation of bone samples in the Gliwice Radiocarbon Laboratory for AMS radiocarbon dating

Isotopes Environ Health Stud. 2002 Dec;38(4):267-75. doi: 10.1080/10256010208033272.

Abstract

In the Gliwice Radiocarbon Laboratory, a system for preparation of samples for AMS dating has been built. At first it was used to produce graphite targets from plant macrofossils and sediments. In this study we extended its capabilities with the preparation of bones. We dealt with 3 methods; the first was the classical Longin method of collagen extraction, the second one included additional treatment of powdered bone in alkali solution, while in the third one carboxyl carbon was separated from amino acids obtained after hydrolysis of protein. The suitability of the methods was tested on 2 bone samples. Most of our samples gave ages > 40 kyr BP, suggesting good performance of the adapted methods, except for one sample prepared with simple Longin method. For routine preparation of bones we chose the Longin method with additional alkali treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / analysis
  • Animals
  • Anthropology, Physical / methods*
  • Bone and Bones / chemistry*
  • Carbon Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Collagen / analysis
  • Fossils*
  • Humans
  • Hydrolysis
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Carbon Radioisotopes
  • Collagen