Presenza di contaminanti ambientali in reperti archeologici: valutazione della concentrazione di metalli pesanti in reperti umani ed animali di provenienza pre e post industriale

Metals present in the environment (soil, water and atmosphere) can affect food safety and human health through bioaccumulation and bio magnification phenomena. Human exposure to metals may take place through the environment and by ingesting contaminated food (including water), determining harmful effects usually over long time. Starting with the Industrial Revolution, local occurrence and concentration of metallic contaminants in the environment has been exponentially increasing: it has been assessed that present-day daily absorption of lead by North American individuals is noticeably greater than that during prehistoric times. In this study, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, copper, lead, phosphorus, tin vanadium and zinc concentrations were measured in 153 bone samples (femurs) of Iron Age inhabitants of Central Italy (Abruzzo): the Samnites from the Alfedena Necropolis (2600–2400 B.P), 12 bones from the Sedilo Lochele Necropoli and 3 from the Grotta dei Colombi (Sardinia). As, Be, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sn, V, Zn determinations were carried out by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). P determination was carried out by UV-VIS Spectrophotometry. Found data are in agreement with results of similar published studies. Heavy metal concentrations varied widely among samples with the exception of zinc (round square deviation < 40%). A significant difference (p>90%) between the concentration of antimony, tin and cadmium male and female samples was found. Bioaccumulation phenomena has been confirmed. Data also confirm a mild relationship (r = 0.6 P=0,001) between lead and cadmium concentration. Burials of Alfedena were placed in defined areas outlined by stones placed and not directly interred whereas remains of individuals from the other necropolis (Sedilo-Lochele and Capo Figari) were found in collective burial caves. Diagenetic phenomena have been investigated by ICP-MS evaluation of metals concentration along the femur radial profile as well as by the evaluation of data obtained from laser-ablation mass spectrometry. Finally As, Be, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sn, V, Zn levels were measured in pleistocenic mammal bones. Results show concentrations in human buries are generally higher than animals nevertheless for a complete evaluation other investigations (taking in account the heterogeneity and number of samples) are necessary.