Lead isotopic analysis of infant bone tissue dating from the Roman era via multicollector ICP-mass spectrometry.

Archaeological samples originating from a cemetery of a Roman settlement, Pretorium Agrippinae (1st-3rd century A.D.), excavated near Valkenburg (The Netherlands) have been subjected to Pb isotopic analysis. The set of samples analysed consisted of infant bone tissue and possible sources of bone lead, such as the surrounding soil, garum, and lead objects (e.g., water pipes). After sample digestion with quantitative Pb recovery and subsequent quantitative and pure isolation of lead, the Pb isotopic composition was determined via multicollector ICP-mass spectrometry. The Pb isotope ratio results allowed distinction of three groups: bone, soil, and lead objects + garum. The 208Pb/206Pb ratio ranges were between 2.059 and 2.081 for the soils, between 2.067 and 2.085 for the bones, and between 2.087 and 2.088 for the lead objects. The garum sample is characterised by a 208Pb/206Pb ratio of 2.085. The bone group is situated on the mixing line between the soil and lead object groups, allowing the statement that diagenesis is not the main cause of the Pb found in the bones.