Tooth enamel stable isotope analysis (Cricetidae)

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Method synopsis

A comprehensive protocol for extracting stable carbon and oxygen isotopes from mammalian tooth enamel to reconstruct paleodiet and paleoenvironmental conditions. Involves enamel isolation, chemical purification, and mass spectrometry analysis.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 2 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Stable isotopes reflect the ecological stability of two high-elevation mammals from the late Quaternary of Colorado (2012), Quaternary Research. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Enamel isolation and grinding
   Tooth enamel was isolated from all teeth using a dental micromotor fitted with a carbide tip sized between 0.3 and 0.5mm, then ground to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Individual tooth positions were ensured when possible, or comparisons of molar wear and general preservation were made.
   Quantities: Carbide tip 0.3-0.5mm diameterDuration: Not specifiedConditions: Laboratory conditions
   Equipment: NSK America Corp dental micromotor, Schaumburg IL carbide tip, mortar and pestle
2. Chemical treatment of enamel powder
   Powdered samples were first treated with 30% H2O2 for 24h to remove organic material, then rinsed three times with deionized water and isolated via microcentrifugation. Samples were then treated with 0.1M CH3COOH for 24h to remove possible adherent secondary carbonates, rinsed and centrifuged three times, and allowed to air dry in a fume hood for 24 to 48h.
   Quantities: 30% H2O2 concentration, 0.1M CH3COOH concentrationDuration: 24h H2O2 treatment, 24h CH3COOH treatment, 24-48h air dryingConditions: Fume hood for drying
   Equipment: microcentrifuge, fume hood
3. Mass spectrometry analysis
   Pristine enamel powder was analyzed for carbonate composition via a GVI Optima mass spectrometer at the University of California-Davis Dept. of Geology Stable Isotope Laboratory. Samples were roasted under vacuum prior to analysis at 375°C for 0.5h then reacted in a common H3PO4 bath at 90°C to yield CO2.

Typical Equipment

• NSK America Corp dental micromotor
• mortar and pestle
• microcentrifuge
• GVI Optima mass spectrometer

Output Measurements

• δ13C values
• δ18O values

Papers Using This Protocol (2)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used