Selenium in Skeletal Remains

0349822 - ÚIACH 2012 RIV US eng J - Journal Article
Smrčka, V. - Edriss, A. - Korunová, Vlasta - Dobisíková, M. - Zocová, J.
Selenium in Skeletal Remains.
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology. Roč. 21, č. 4 (2011), s. 456-463. ISSN 1047-482X. E-ISSN 1099-1212
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA203/09/1783
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40310501
Keywords : trace elements * glutathione-peroxidase * seleniferous area
Subject RIV: AC - Archeology, Anthropology, Ethnology
Impact factor: 0.955, year: 2011
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.1152/pdf

Contents of selenium (Se) were determined in human skeletal remains of prehistoric populations by in situ trapping of Se hydride by ET AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomisation). Dr Korunova worked out a method of determination of Se in preparation. The method of determination of Se was verified by means of radioactive indicator (75)Se incorporated in the tissues of laboratory animals. Detection limit of the method was 23 pg Se. Se is another element suitable for dietary reconstruction in past populations as it relates to the consumption of meat in a similar way to zinc. Through the analysis of Se, we were able to distinguish between Eneolithic archaeological cultures (Corded Ware ceramic, Bell Beaker culture) and Bronze Age cultures (Protounetice, Starounetice, Unetice cultures). Significant differences were found in the levels of Se in the bones of individuals derived from the Bell Beaker and Unetice Cultures, to the 95% confidence interval.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0189962