In this paper, we demonstrate the possibility of conducting quantitative analysis of trace metals found in bone remains and suggest a strategy to discriminate between individuals, based on this information. A LA-ICP-SF-MS method using non-matrix matched standard calibration was developed and optimized with bone standard reference materials (SRMs) and subsequently applied to the analysis of real samples. The developed method requires micrograms amount of sample (vs. milligrams required for solution-based analysis) while also reducing the analysis time and resulting in good accuracy (typically <10 % bias) and precision (<15 % RSD). Additionally, laser ablation allowed using spatial resolution analysis to assess the biogenic elemental composition in buried bone samples.
Elemental analysis of bone samples from 12 different individuals provided better discrimination between the individuals when the femur and humerus bones were considered separately (42.7 % correct classification with all bones vs. 75.2 % and 63.1 % for femur bones and humerus bones, respectively). Separation of individuals was achieved by elemental composition of whole teeth samples from 14 individuals, except one case where not all the teeth from the same individual were associated together. Separation of individuals was improved when using elemental composition of the enamel and dentine + cementum layers separately in a set of samples from 7 individuals. These are promising results for the use of elemental analysis by laser ablation ICP-MS for discrimination purposes.