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Szakas S, Gundlach-Graham A. Exploring particle populations of common inorganic gunshot residue interferences through single particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Talanta 2024; 268:125368. [PMID: 37918252 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) has certain environmental and occupational interferent-particle sources known to display similar morphologies and elemental compositions to IGSR. These interferences can make detecting and identifying IGSR particles difficult, especially when IGSR particle number concentrations are low. Here, single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spICP-TOFMS) is used to explore the particle types measured from IGSR and three important interferent-particle sources: brake pads, fireworks, and mineral sunscreen. spICP-TOFMS offers results in as little as 2 min per sample. With spICP-TOFMS, the mass of most elements, down to the 10s of attograms, can be detected and quantified in individual particles with diameters from 10s to 100s of nm. At this size range, almost all interferent sources produce particles with elemental compositions that overlap with ASTM-defined particle compositions used for identifying leaded and lead-free IGSR. We establish probabilities for detecting IGSR-like particles from interference sources through the analysis of thousands of particles from each interference. Based on this analysis, robust sample-specific 'characteristic' particle types can be used to classify leaded and unleaded IGSR particles, even in the presence of interferent particles. Of the interference sources studied, particles from brake pads and fireworks are most similar to leaded IGSR; however, IGSR particles could be unequivocally classified based on detection of lead and antimony. Particles from mineral sunscreen are most similar to those from lead-free IGSR; however, lead-free IGSR particles exhibit a unique titanium-zinc-copper elemental fingerprint that is not detected in mineral sunscreen particles. Within mixtures of interference particles and IGSR, IGSR is accurately identified with limited false positives, even when the number of interference particles is over 200-times greater than that of IGSR. Our results suggest that spICP-TOFMS is a useful approach for rapid and accurate IGSR identification even in samples with high concentrations of interferent background particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Szakas
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Romeo M, Gentile C, Burnett B, Rotter G, Petraglia A, Nunziata F. On the problem of data interpretation in the analysis of iron-containing GSR particles. Forensic Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2023.100472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Menking-Hoggatt K, Ott C, Vander Pyl C, Dalzell K, Curran J, Arroyo L, Trejos T. Prevalence and Probabilistic Assessment of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot Residue and Background Profiles using LIBS, Electrochemistry, and SEM-EDS. Forensic Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2022.100429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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5
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Evaluation of organic and inorganic gunshot residues in various populations using LC-MS/MS. Forensic Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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6
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Kara I, Tahillioglu E. Digital image analysis of gunshot residue dimensional dispersion by computer vision method. Microsc Res Tech 2021; 85:971-979. [PMID: 34655131 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Detection and identification of gunshot residues (GSR) have been used as base evidence in elucidating forensic cases. GSR particles consist of burnt and partially unburned material and contaminate the hands, face, hair, and clothes of the shooter when coming out of the gun. Nowadays, GSR samples are collected from the hands of the suspect and are analyzed routinely in forensic laboratories by the scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) method. GSR particles are comprised of a morphological and specific structure (generally spherical and have a diameter between 0 and 100 μm [occasionally even larger]). In addition, the present studies in the field have claimed that GSR particles during formation are formed under equilibrium surface distribution and are unrelated to morphological dimensional classification. Our contribution to this study is two-folded. First, this study offers a new approach to identify images of GSR particles by computer vision gathered by SEM/EDS method from the hand of the shooter. Second, it presents open access to the SEM/EDS image data set of the analyzed GSR. During the study, a new data set consisting of 22,408 samples from three different types of MKEK (Mechanical and Chemical Industries Corporation) brand ammunition has been used. It is seen in the results that the computer vision method has been successful in the dimensional classification of GSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilker Kara
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Eldivan Medical Services Vocational School, Çankırı Karatekin University, Çankırı, Turkey
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7
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Survey of gunshot residue prevalence on the hands of individuals from various population groups in and outside Europe. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Charles S, Geusens N, Vergalito E, Nys B. Interpol review of gunshot residue 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2021; 2:416-428. [PMID: 33385140 PMCID: PMC7770441 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in gunshot residue analysis from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Geusens
- INCC-NICC, Chaussée de Vilvorde 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Bart Nys
- INCC-NICC, Chaussée de Vilvorde 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium
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Tandem detection of organic and inorganic gunshot residues using LC–MS and SEM-EDS. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110389. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Costa RA, Dos Santos NA, Corrêa TSM, Wyatt NLP, Chamoun CA, Carneiro MTWD, Romão W. Detection of Pb, Ba, and Sb in Cadaveric Maggots and Pupae by ICP-MS. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:2188-2193. [PMID: 32777087 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of lead (Pb), barium (Ba), and antimony (Sb), characteristic of GSR, were determined in soil sediments and immature (larvae) of cadaveric flies of the family Calliphoridae, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This research refers to a case study from two real crime scenes in which the corpses were in an advanced state of decomposition. In case 1, the victim had holes similar to gunshot wounds, and in case 2, there was no evidence of perforations in the corpse. Soil sediment collection was performed at three different points of the terrain, at a minimum distance of 10 m from the corpse, for cases 1 and 2. In relation to the collection of immatures, larvae were collected in regions of the mouth, nose, and orifices similar to the entry of firearms projectile into the body, for case 1, and collection of larvae and pupae, located on the body and underneath it, for case 2. It was possible to detect and quantify the three elements of interest (Pb, Ba, and Sb) by ICP-MS in both sediment and cadaveric larvae. Concentrations of 4.44, 8.74, and 0.08 μg/g were obtained for Pb, Ba, and Sb, respectively, in the soil for case 1. For the case 2, the concentrations in Pb, Ba, and Sb were from 16.34 to 26.02 μg/g; from 32.64 to 57.97 μg/g and from 0.042 to 0.30 μg/g, respectively. In the larvae, Pb, Ba, and Sb were quantified in cases 1 and 2 with a concentration of 6.28 and 1.78 μg/g for Pb, 1.49 and 2.94 μg/g for Ba, 0.50 μg/g and <LD for Sb, respectively. These new results present the detection of characteristic elements of GSR in cadaveric larvae in humans in a real crime scene, besides highlighting the importance of the study of immature flies, using the ICP-MS technique in forensic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayana A Costa
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Nayara A Dos Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, 29075-910, Brazil.,National Institute of Forensic Science and Technology (INCT Forensics), Vitória, ES, 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Thayná S M Corrêa
- Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Vila Velha, ES, 29106-010, Brazil
| | - Nathália L P Wyatt
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Chamoun
- Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Viana, ES, 29135-000, Brazil.,Department of Criminology, Superintendence of Technical and Scientific Police of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, 29045-402, Brazil
| | - Maria T W D Carneiro
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Romão
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, 29075-910, Brazil.,National Institute of Forensic Science and Technology (INCT Forensics), Vitória, ES, 29075-910, Brazil.,Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Vila Velha, ES, 29106-010, Brazil
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Hallett J, Stolk M, Cook M, Kirkbride KP. Examination of gunshot residue arising from shotgun cartridges containing steel, bismuth or tungsten pellets. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 306:110096. [PMID: 31821942 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In Australia, shotguns feature in criminal activity and suicide shootings relatively frequently. However, compared to studies dealing with GSR originating from rifled firearms, those dealing with residues originating from shotguns are rare. The purpose of the research described in this article was to specifically characterize particle populations ejected from shotguns, and especially populations produced when ammunition containing steel shot was used, as it was expected that the high levels of iron likely to be produced during discharge may complicate GSR evidence evaluation. The expected high numbers of iron particles in GSR ejected from the muzzle of a shotgun during discharge of cartridges loaded with steel shot were not detected. The inevitable conclusion of that finding - that metal from the shot does not contribute to GSR ejected from the muzzle of a shotgun - was confirmed when practically no particles containing zinc were detected when cartridges loaded with zinc plated shot were fired. It is suggested that the shot-cup in the ammunition was very effective at preventing the formation of GSR particles from the shot. In contrast to those findings, high numbers of iron particles were detected in GSR ejected from the breech of a shotgun when ammunition loaded with steel shot was fired. However, when ammunition loaded with bismuth or tungsten shot was fired, the levels of tungsten and bismuth particles ejected were very low but high numbers of iron particles were still detected. It is suggested that the firing mechanism in the gun itself, rather than the ammunition used, is responsible for the abundance of iron detected in GSR ejected from the breech. Despite the presence of iron in shotgun GSR, typical primer-derived residues (containing any or all of the elements lead, barium and antimony) were detected in residues ejected from the muzzle and the breech therefore evidence evaluation is relatively straightforward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hallett
- Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Michael Stolk
- Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Michael Cook
- Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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13
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Seyfang KE, Lucas N, Redman KE, Popelka-Filcoff RS, Kobus HJ, Kirkbride KP. Glass-containing gunshot residues and particles of industrial and occupational origins: Considerations for evaluating GSR traces. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:284-297. [PMID: 30925347 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Manganelli M, Weyermann C, Gassner AL. Surveys of organic gunshot residue prevalence: Comparison between civilian and police populations. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:48-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Mistek E, Fikiet MA, Khandasammy SR, Lednev IK. Toward Locard's Exchange Principle: Recent Developments in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis. Anal Chem 2018; 91:637-654. [PMID: 30404441 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Mistek
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Marisia A Fikiet
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Shelby R Khandasammy
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Igor K Lednev
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
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Laflèche DJN, Brière SJJ, Faragher NF, Hearns NGR. Gunshot residue and airbags: Part I. Assessing the risk of deployed automotive airbags to produce particles similar to gunshot residue. CANADIAN SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00085030.2018.1463202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Denis J. N. Laflèche
- Trace Evidence Services, RCMP National Forensic Laboratory Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Serge J. J. Brière
- Trace Evidence Services, RCMP National Forensic Laboratory Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nichole F. Faragher
- Trace Evidence Services, RCMP National Forensic Laboratory Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nigel G. R. Hearns
- Trace Evidence Services, RCMP National Forensic Laboratory Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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