Human skeletal samples burned between 200 and 1000 °C, in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, were probed by synchrotron-based Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure with a view to interpret heat-induced variations in chemical composition and structure. Heat-prompted changes in Ca 2+ first and second coordination shells were unveiled (regarding PO 4 3- , CO 3 2- and/or OH - ligands). A higher crystallinity degree was found for 800-1000 °C burning temperatures as compared to 200-700 °C, in agreement with the higher amount of organic components in moderately heated samples. The unique local structural information delivered by XAS, particularly on the Ca 2+ coordination environment which determines bone´s structural features and degree of crystallinity, enabled an improved understanding of the heat-elicited changes undergone by bone, not previously accessed by other techniques. This is an innovative study, with a high impact in forensic and bioarchaeological research, focused on the analysis of burned human skeletal remains. • First analysis of burned human bone by XAS with synchrotron radiation • Innovative study for probing heat-elicited changes in human bone • Unique structural data, particularly on Ca within the bone matrix • Estimation of burning temperatures and burning conditions • High impact on forensic science and bioarchaeology
Marques et al. (Wed,) studied this question.