Combining collagen extraction with mineral Zn isotope analyses from a single sample for robust palaeoecological investigations

Abstract Collagen extraction from bones or dentine, commonly used for radiocarbon ( 14 C) dating and stable carbon nitrogen isotope (δ 13 C δ 15 N) analyses, involves the dissolution of bioapatite skeletal elements. This fraction is typically disposed during pretreatment. Here, we test possibility utilising this dissolved mineral solution analysis zinc composition 66 Zn). Bioapatite Zn a novel trophic level indicator similar to collagen N but with isotopic fractionation independent nitrogen, thus providing additional dietary information. We tested ways minimise contamination phase extraction. then archaeological bone samples Ain Difla (Jordan) Ranis (Germany) compare values following our protocol same sample material in metal-free cleanroom. Our results demonstrate that only minor adjustments contamination, protocols employed (palaeo)dietary can be analyses even when does not take place allows us gain an proxy complement interpretations perform more robust (palaeo)ecological investigations without further destructive sampling.