Forensic geology of bone mineral: geochemical tracers for post- mortem movement of bone remains

Abstract: The trace element chemistry of bone is rapidly altered post-mortem, and the post-mortem chemistry of bone mineral has been used successfully todiscriminate b tween fossil bones removed from stratigraphically and spatially separate excavations. These techniques can be used to identify and protect scientifically or culturally sensitive artefacts. Measurable changes in the trace element composition ofbone may occur within a few years of death. These changes show consider-able potential for use in forensic investigations, particularly where post-mortem ovement orscat-tering of bone remains has occurred. Early post-mortem alteration is complex, governed by a number of environmental v riables, and measuring subtle changes in bone chemistry presents con-siderable analytical challenges. More work is needed in this area. Previously interred bones may be moved either through natural processes, such as erosion and reworking, or by human activities, such as excava-tion, reburial and trading. It may be necessary to trace the original burial location of such disturbed bones, for instance to investigate suspected associa-tions in scattered or disarticulated skeletal remains. As bone is interred, its elemental composition i