Asset Details
Do you wish to reserve the book?
Effects of tanning on the stable isotopic compositions of hair
Hey, we have placed the reservation for you!
By the way, why not check out events that you can attend while you pick your title.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place the reservation. Kindly try again later.
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
Effects of tanning on the stable isotopic compositions of hair
Do you wish to request the book?
Effects of tanning on the stable isotopic compositions of hair
Please be aware that the book you have requested cannot be checked out. If you would like to checkout this book, you can reserve another copy
We have requested the book for you!
Your request is successful and it will be processed during the Library working hours. Please check the status of your request in My Requests.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place your request. Kindly try again later.
Journal Article
Effects of tanning on the stable isotopic compositions of hair
2018
Overview
•The carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen stable isotopic compositions of hair remain intact when polar bear skins are tanned.•The sulphur stable isotopic compositions of hair is slightly changed to more positive values as a result of tanning.•Stable isotopic information from the hair of preserved specimens can be applied to living animals.•Stable isotopic information contained in the hair of preserved wildlife skins may be used for forensic purposes.
We investigated the effect of tanning on the stable isotopic compositions (CNHOS) of hair keratin. Samples of hair from polar bear (Ursus maritimus) hides were collected before and after the tanning process from a commercial tannery. With the exception of sulphur isotopes, tanning did not alter the stable isotopic compositions of hair. δ34S values were slightly more positive (1 per mil) in hair that had gone through the tanning process, likely as a result of the tanning agent, alum (Al2(SO4)3) or exposure to sulphuric acid (H2SO4). This indicates that, with the exception of sulphur isotopes, hair keratin is resistant to subsequent isotopic alteration by the techniques used in tanning of animal hides and thus the original stable isotopic information is likely to be preserved in archived samples, such as taxidermic mounts and museum specimens. This is an important consideration when dealing with ecological and forensic applications to wildlife, such as evaluating provenance or migratory reconstructions, and so will assist in conservation efforts and investigations of trafficking and poaching.
