Lead isotope ratios as a means of sourcing anthropogenic lead in archaeological soils: A pilot study of an abandoned Shetland croft

Citation

Wilson C, Bacon JR, Cresser MS & Davidson D (2006) Lead isotope ratios as a means of sourcing anthropogenic lead in archaeological soils: A pilot study of an abandoned Shetland croft. Archaeometry, 48 (3), pp. 501-509. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4754.2006.00269.x

Abstract
Results from soil chemical analysis have demonstrated enhanced concentrations of lead (Pb) associated with archaeological sites. However, interpretation of these Pb concentrations is difficult because of the multitude of possible Pb sources. This pilot study of an abandoned croft in Shetland suggests that Pb isotope ratios have the potential to identify sources of anthropogenic Pb. The results highlight two different Pb associations. The first includes hearth, house floor and house overburden soils, with end members of fuel materials and an unidentified material with a low (< 1.126) 206Pb/207Pb ratio. The second includes byre, kailyard (garden) and arable soils, with end members of hearth materials and local wind-blown sand.

Keywords
lead isotope ratios; Tims analysis; archaeological soils; anthopogenic inputs; abandoned croft

Journal
Archaeometry: Volume 48, Issue 3

People

Professor Donald Davidson

Emeritus Professor, Biological and Environmental Sciences

Dr Clare Wilson

Senior Lecturer, Biological and Environmental Sciences