The identification of organic and inorganic compounds in in archaeological, geological and forensic materials can be used to tackle several sets of problems, such as the following ones.

Identification of fatty acids in sediments and pavements

The analysis of fatty acids in sediments and pavements is used to detect the human activity related to the production and consumption of food (Kanthilatha et al., 2014; Pecci y D’Andria, 2014). Among the lipids, the fatty acids are very important. Fatty acids are the main compound of animal fats and vegetal oils. They are called tryglicerides and they are subdivided in different groups (saturated and unsaturated, monosaturated and polysaturated). Seafood and vegetables are characterized by unsaturated fatty acids and the other animal fats are rich of saturated ones.

Identification of organic matters in archaeological pottery

The analysis of organic matters that are recognizable in pottery, especially in ceramic that was used for transportation, is carried out to understand the use of the materials in a certain archaeological context. The analyses often reveal resins or pitch used to waterproof the ceramic and partially absorbed by it (Izzo et al., 2013).

Identification of pigments

The analysis of pigments obtained by the glandular liquids of some moluscs is useful to obtain information about the production of textures and the provenance of remains of clothes. In the ancient times, this kind of pigments were widely used in the Middle East and in the Mediterranean Area to paint the wool (Koren, 2012).