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Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging evidence of biogenic mercury identified in a burial in colonial Antigua

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dc.contributor.authorSwanston, Treena
dc.contributor.authorVarney, Tamara L.
dc.contributor.authorCoulthard, Ian
dc.contributor.authorGeorge, Graham N.
dc.contributor.authorPickering, Ingrid J.
dc.contributor.authorMurphy, Reg
dc.contributor.authorCooper, David M. L.
dc.date.accessioned2020-10-02
dc.date.accessioned2022-05-31T01:15:20Z
dc.date.available2022-05-31T01:15:20Z
dc.date.issued2015
dc.description.abstractA mass spectroscopic analysis of bone samples from 17 individuals once buried in a Royal Naval Hospital cemetery (1793–1822) in Antigua revealed a high level of mercury (Hg) in one individual. While the toxic properties of Hg are now recognized, this metal was used for centuries to treat ailments such as syphilis and yellow fever. Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) was employed to determine whether the Hg was present in the bone as a result of environmental contamination or due to biogenic uptake. The XFI study revealed that only a localized subset of the osteons within a 2.5 mm by 1.5 mm scan contained Hg – a finding consistent with biogenic uptake. The near-edge portion of the X-ray absorption spectrum was used to determine that the Hg was present in the bone tissue as an inorganic mercuric sulfide.
dc.description.urihttps://library.macewan.ca/full-record/edswsc/000355354400003
dc.identifier.citation2015 Swanston, T., Varney, T., Coulthard, I., George, G.N., Pickering, I. J., Murphy, R., and Cooper, D. M. L. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging and spectroscopic evidence of biogenic mercury identified in a burial in colonial Antigua. Journal of Archaeological Science 58, 26-30.
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2015.03.006
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14078/1730
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoen
dc.rightsAll Rights Reserved
dc.subjectsynchrotron
dc.subjectbone
dc.subjecttrace elements
dc.titleSynchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging evidence of biogenic mercury identified in a burial in colonial Antiguaen
dc.typeArticle

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Department of Anthropology, Economics and Political Science