Dating of prehistoric bones using a fluoride ion selective electrode

CHED 267

Kamilah Banks-Word1, Judith M Iriarte-Gross, jiriarte@mtsu.edu1, Kevin E. Smith2, and Ngee Sing Chong, nchong@mtsu.edu1. (1) Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU Box X161, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, (2) Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Middle Tennessee State University, MTSU Box 0010, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Over an extended period of time, bones buried underground absorb fluoride ions from soil moisture or exposure to groundwater. The measurement of the concentration of fluoride ions is useful in determining the relative ages of bone specimens. We have adopted this technique and have used it to determine the age of samples of animal bones obtained from archaeological sites. The samples tested were obtained from several major prehistoric Native American towns including the Jarman Site and Fewkes Mounds in Tennessee. We will discuss the fluoride ion selection technique and the results obtained from this research.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Inorganic Chemistry
2:30 PM-4:30 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006