Geochemical analysis of heavy metals in soils of the Yamasaki archaeological site, Hikimi River, Masuda, Japan

Geochemical study of soils was carried out at the Yamasaki archaeological site in Masuda city for evaluation of human activities during the earliest to late Jomon age. Abundances of P2O5, Cu, Zn, I, TS (total sulfur), Sr, Br and F show variations in vertical profiles in four trenches. These elements are good indicators of habitation sites and pottery manufacture. In contrast, concentrations of TiO2, Fe2O3, MnO, CaO, As, Pb, Ni, Cr, V, Nb, Zr, Y, Th and Sc show no significant change in the profiles. This may be related to provenance of the area, and indicates lack of active metal production or smelting.13;