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Protein Residue Analysis In Archaeology: A Geological Contamination Experiment, Theresa Popp
Protein Residue Analysis In Archaeology: A Geological Contamination Experiment, Theresa Popp
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present
Protein residue analysis has been used by archaeologists for decades to explore ancient diets and hunting behaviors based on proteins deposited on tools and artifacts, however, protein contamination of buried artifacts has been assumed but lacked formal study. Through a contamination experiment testing different geological contexts (e.g. water movement and freeze-thaw), possible routes of protein contamination within soil were identified, adversely impacting protein residue analysis conducted on buried artifacts. Protein was found to move through soil in large enough concentrations to elicit positive protein residue results on sterile artifacts that never made direct contact with the protein source used in …