The role of stable isotope analysis in forensic anthropology

Abstract

There are two forms of isotopes: radioactive and stable. Stable isotopes have proven to be of great use to the field of archaeology, and more recently in forensic anthropology. The academic roots of the use of stable isotopes in forensic anthropology originated with trace element analysis, primarily aimed at dietary reconstruction. The geographical place of residence during tissue formation represents the primary focus of stable isotope analysis in contemporary forensic anthropology. As early as 1985, M.J. Schoeninger noted geographical area can impact measures of both carbon and nitrogen isotopes used in trophic level dietary analysis. C.H. Remien et al. and G. Vautour et al. report how hair length corresponds to chronological life history migration, which can be revealed through isotope analysis. Database construction of isotope values from different tissues can facilitate geolocation of unidentified human remains in many forensic contexts.

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