Mineral and essential element measurements in dolphin bones using two analytical approaches

We explored the potential of using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), a non-destructive technique, to assess elemental contents in dolphin bones. Specimens were deposited in museum collections, and prepared by different methodologies. Fifty eight Commerson’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus c. commersonii) chevron bones and 24 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) were analysed. The EDX allowed us to detect the following elements: Ca, P, Na, Mg, Fe, K, Zn, S, Cl and Al; and quantify their proportion (weight percent of element). Principal components analysis differentiates two groups according to the cleaning procedures applied, supporting that cleaning methods could influence the chemical integrity of bone. No significant age-dependent increase was found for elements analysed in species, and no significant differences were found between sex and physical maturity stages. Alternative assessment was made through atomic absorption spectrophotometry, providing quantitative information on the principal elements in bones (Ca, P, Mg, Na, Fe and Zn) and allowing comparisons with other studies. A standard protocol for bone cleaning and conditioning is needed to exclude any effect on the mineral integrity of calcified tissue. This would enable future comparative studies on the bone mineral matrix over time housed in natural history museums or other scientific collections.