The isotope ratios of strontium (Sr) and lead (Pb) in water derive from local geology and their isotopic signature can be linked to the age and type of underlying bedrocks and soils (if applicable). Both elements are transferred to human blood through diet and water, and some of it will ultimately be incorporated into the hair structure, making Sr and Pb isotopes interesting tools for tracing human mobility.
Our research group has developed approaches based on coupling Sr and Pb elemental concentrations and isotope ratios in human hair for provenancing purposes.