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Distribution of 14C, 90Sr and 228Th in an elephant tusk

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Abstract

The period of date of death of an elephant can be assessed by analyzing four different radionuclides, 14C, 90Sr, 228Th and 232Th in its ivory. These nuclides are supposed to have variing concentrations at different parts of a tusk. The reason is the procedure of growth which takes place at the butt-site of a tusk. Therefore the site of sampling could have a big influence on the assessed date of death. However, to find out if the position of sampling is important a complete tusk was analyzed regarding the distribution of these nuclides. Results show that the concentration activity of 14C and 228Th varies in different parts of a tusk. The activity concentration of 90Sr is very similar in all analyzed parts. The conclusion is that sampling at the butt of a tusk is recommended for age assessment.

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Notes

  1. International Atomic Energy Agency.

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Acknowledgment

This work is advanced by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation and financially supported by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. The tusk was also provided by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    Matthias J. Brunnermeier, Stefanie A. K. Schmied & Robert Schupfner

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  1. Matthias J. Brunnermeier
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  2. Stefanie A. K. Schmied
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  3. Robert Schupfner
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Correspondence to Robert Schupfner.

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Brunnermeier, M.J., Schmied, S.A.K. & Schupfner, R. Distribution of 14C, 90Sr and 228Th in an elephant tusk. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 292, 1285–1290 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-011-1587-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-011-1587-8

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