Analysis of bivalve shells for lead isotopes: decontamination and dissolution experiments

Abstract

Scientific estimation of production regions for edible marine vivalves is important in the context of authentication of the region on the distribution and the improvement of food safety. Aiming at utilizing lead isotopes in bivalve shells as an index for the production region we have carried out fundamental experiments of decontamination, dissolution and isotope analysis of the shells. The test shell samples used in this study were collected from European mussels. In this study, we mainly describe results on analytical experiments, such as removal of organic mater on the shell surface using mixed solutions of various oxidizing agents and strong acid or base, and the stepwise dissolution of shell substances using acids.