TRACE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF SHARK TEETH FROM THE PEACE RIVER FORMATION USING LA-ICP-MS

Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) serves as a powerful tool for mapping trace elements in fossil teeth. Previous studies have compared the trace element profiles of fossils from different formations, focusing primarily on mammal teeth and bone. This study seeks to determine if the present environment can affect trace element uptake in fossilized shark teeth and if the uptake differs at all from fossilized mammal teeth. Teeth of various species were collected from the Mosaic phosphate mine and the Peace River. The teeth were cut using a rock saw, set in epoxy rounds, and polished in preparation for LA-ICP-MS. Shots with the LA-ICP-MS were made across each tooth starting in the enamel going through the dentine and back into the enamel on the opposite side to construct a trace element uptake profile. The profiles from Mosaic will be compared to those from the teeth collected from the Peace River to determine if the river has altered the uptake profiles of the teeth.