The study reports lead concentrations and lead and strontium stable-isotope ratios in mandibular molars of roe deer from three
different areas in western Germany. Lead concentrations in third molars ranged between 0.23 and 36.61 µg/g (dry weight). Comparing
lead concentrations in first molars and third molars in a group of ca. 1.5- or ca. 2.5-year-old individuals from the same
area revealed an effect of tooth age on tooth lead content. The higher lead concentrations in the first molars were attributed
to the longer period of lead accumulation by the dentin of these teeth compared with the later-forming third molars. Differences
in lead isotopic signatures of the teeth were observed between the three areas, presumably reflecting variation in exposure
to different sources of environmental lead. We also found marked variation in the
87Sr/
86Sr isotope ratios of the teeth, with only a small overlap in values between two of the areas. Strontium isotope analysis alone
or in combination with lead isotope analyses can be a useful means of assessing the provenance of deer teeth of unknown geographical
origin.
Keywords Stable isotopes - Teeth - Lead - Strontium - Bioindication - Provenance indicators
Communicated by: W. Lutz