Mineral and essential element measurements in dolphin bones using two analytical approaches

We explored the potential of using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), a non-destructive technique, to assess elemental contents in dolphin bones. Specimens were deposited in museum collections, and prepared by different methodologies. Fifty eight Commerson’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus c. commers...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemistry and Ecology
Main Authors: Cáceres Saez, Iris, Panebianco, María Victoria, Perez Catán, Soledad, Dellabianca, Natalia Andrea, Negri, Maria Fernanda, Ayala, Carolina N., Prosser Goodall, Rae Natalie, Cappozzo, Humberto Luis
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:
CALCIFIED TISSUE
ELEMENTS
ODONTOCETES
SKELETON
SOUTHWESTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1.6
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1
Argentino
Argentina
Perez
South Atlantic Ocean
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/11336/94699
Description
Summary:We explored the potential of using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), a non-destructive technique, to assess elemental contents in dolphin bones. Specimens were deposited in museum collections, and prepared by different methodologies. Fifty eight Commerson’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus c. commersonii) chevron bones and 24 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) were analysed. The EDX allowed us to detect the following elements: Ca, P, Na, Mg, Fe, K, Zn, S, Cl and Al; and quantify their proportion (weight percent of element). Principal components analysis differentiates two groups according to the cleaning procedures applied, supporting that cleaning methods could influence the chemical integrity of bone. No significant age-dependent increase was found for elements analysed in species, and no significant differences were found between sex and physical maturity stages. Alternative assessment was made through atomic absorption spectrophotometry, providing quantitative information on the principal elements in bones (Ca, P, Mg, Na, Fe and Zn) and allowing comparisons with other studies. A standard protocol for bone cleaning and conditioning is needed to exclude any effect on the mineral integrity of calcified tissue. This would enable future comparative studies on the bone mineral matrix over time housed in natural history museums or other scientific collections. Fil: Cáceres Saez, Iris. Museo Acatushún de Aves y Mamíferos Marinos Australes; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentina Fil: Panebianco, María Victoria. Universidad Maimónides; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentina Fil: Perez Catán, Soledad. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina Fil: Dellabianca, Natalia Andrea. ...

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