Case Studies:Case study 31

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Micromorphological and Microchemical Analysis of St. Kilda Soils
Christian Spring and Donald Davidson

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Abstract
St. Kilda was studied to assess the nature of old cultivated soils with particular reference to anthropogenic features. Also, the spatial distribution of key polluting elements within the St Kilda soils was investigated. Techniques used were micromorphology, point counting and spatial element analysis using an electron microprobe. High anthropogenic activity was recorded in the village as seen in charcoal/carbonised material and bone fragments. Overall there was no differentiation of features down the soil profile. Zn concentrations tend to be elevated in bone material. Pb is distributed more widely throughout the soil. Further microprobe analysis is required to investigate the spatial distribution of elements in the Village soil.

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[[media:Case study 31.pdf|Micromorphological and Microchemical Analysis of St. Kilda Soils]]

Keywords: St. Kilda, Scotland, micromorphology, point counting, electron microprobe, spatial element analysis

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