Tace elements in eneolithic and late medieval human bones from two archaeological sites in tuscany: evaluation of diagenetic processes, diet and exposure to heavy metals

The results indicate that diagenesis did not influence concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Ca or Sr, and that there was no significant difference in accumulation of these elements between humerus and femur. Sr:Ca and Zn:Ca ratios indicated vastly different diets in the two periods. The occurrence of high levels of Cu (1368.64 mg/kg d.w.) in a humerus from the Copper Age sample possibly due to exposure during copper smelting, was a very interesting outcome.