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Rodriguez-Pascual JA, Doña-Fernández A, Loarce-Tejada Y, de Andres-Gimeno I, Valtuille-Fernández E, Gutiérrez-Redomero E, Gomez-Laina FJ. Assessment of gunshot residue detection on a large variety of surfaces by portable LIBS system for crime scene application. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 353:111886. [PMID: 37977062 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111886] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in forensic science has garnered increasing attention. The ability to perform real-time, on-site analysis of Gunshot Residue (GSR) particles and potential elements originating from bullets or projectile cores on various surfaces holds the potential to assist in resolving firearms-related cases. This includes facilitating trajectory determination by locating distinct impact points and identifying the types of ammunition used. This study evaluates the utilization of a portable LIBS device for ballistic forensic purposes. Additionally, it focuses on the assessment of potential false positives and false negatives arising from the different materials where the shots have been fired. Since the system performs laser ablation of both surface particles and the substrate, it emphasizes the importance of conducting preliminary screening in an area with the same composition as the impact zone to minimize potential false positives during direct surface analysis. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the capability to detect the constituent elements of characteristic gunshot residue particles (GSR particles): lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and barium (Ba) adhering to bullets, as well as the principal elements composing the jacket or core of the projectile: lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) through direct analysis, without the need for a sampling kit, on different surfaces such as walls, furniture, or fabrics. Analyses conducted a month after the shots were fired indicate the potential for finding residues in the vicinity of the bullet hole. Analyses conducted a month after the shots were fired indicate the possibility of finding residues in the area around the bullet hole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Rodriguez-Pascual
- Ballistics Section of the Spanish Scientific Police Headquarters (National Police), Julián González Segador s/n, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Yolanda Loarce-Tejada
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel de Andres-Gimeno
- Chemical Laboratory of the Spanish Scientific Police Headquarters (National Police), Julián González Segador s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Esperanza Gutiérrez-Redomero
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Gomez-Laina
- Ballistics Section of the Spanish Scientific Police Headquarters (National Police), Julián González Segador s/n, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Ledergerber TD, Feeney W, Arroyo L, Trejos T. A feasibility study of direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry for screening organic gunshot residues from various substrates. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:4744-4757. [PMID: 37694390 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01258a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the use of direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for the detection of organic gunshot residues (OGSR) in a variety of matrices of interest for forensics, customs, and homeland security. Detection limits ranged from (0.075 to 12) ng, with intra- and inter-day reproducibility below 0.0012% CV. The collection of mass spectra at multiple in-source collision-induced dissociation (is-CID) voltages produced distinctive mass spectral signatures with varying levels of fragmentation and allowed differentiation of isomers. To test method performance, a collection of 330 authentic specimens from various substrates were analyzed - (1) neat smokeless powders, (2) spent cartridge cases, (3) burnt particles removed from clothing via carbon stubs or (4) with tweezers, and hand samples from (5) non-shooters, and (6) shooters. A subset of hand specimens (n = 80) was further analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for confirmation and comparison. Seven types of ammunition from five manufacturers and two calibers were monitored for OGSR profiles with similar compositions observed for paired sets (e.g., unburnt smokeless powder and the respective residues on spent cartridges, clothing, and hands). No false positives were observed across all datasets. A 100% true positive rate (TPR) was observed for all substrates except the shooters' hands. Depending on the ammunition type and classification criteria, the shooters' hands exhibited a TPR ranging from 19% to 73%. The results show that DART-MS is feasible and versatile for fast screening of OGSR across various substrates but may benefit from alternative approaches to improve detection at trace levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Feeney
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Luis Arroyo
- Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Tatiana Trejos
- Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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3
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Szakas SE, Menking-Hoggatt K, Trejos T, Gundlach-Graham A. Elemental Characterization of Leaded and Lead-Free Inorganic Primer Gunshot Residue Standards Using Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 77:873-884. [PMID: 36444990 DOI: 10.1177/00037028221142624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the use of single particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spICP-TOFMS) for the detection and classification of inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) particles. To establish reliable multi-element criteria to classify IGSR particles, leaded and lead-free IGSR reference materials were analyzed, and the elemental compositions of the individual particles were quantified. The results suggest that expanded element compositions may be used to classify IGSR particles via spICP-TOFMS compared to those used in conventional IGSR analysis using scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). For spICP-TOFMS analysis of leaded IGSR particles, classification may be based on the presence of lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and barium (Ba) just as in SEM-EDS; however, additional particle types, such as lead-copper (Pb-Cu) particles, contribute significantly (∼30%) to the leaded IGSR particle population. In lead-free IGSR particles, the dominate multi-metal particle composition found is titanium-zinc (Ti-Zn) with a conserved Zn:Ti ratio of 1.4:1, but other elements, such as copper (Cu), are also characteristic. In mixtures of the two IGSR reference materials, we were able to classify over 80% of the multi-metal particles detected with no false-positive particle-type assignments. With spICP-TOFMS, particles smaller than those typically measured by SEM-EDS are detected, with estimated median diameters for leaded and lead-free IGSR of 180 and 320 nm, respectively. Through measuring these smaller particles, up to ∼two times more particles per mL are recorded by spICP-TOFMS compared to that found by SEM-EDS. Overall, high-sensitivity and high-throughput analysis using spICP-TOFMS enables quantitative, rapid multi-elemental characterization, and classification of individual IGSR particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Szakas
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Korina Menking-Hoggatt
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Tatiana Trejos
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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4
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Redouté Minzière V, Robyr O, Weyermann C. Should inorganic or organic gunshot residues be analysed first? Forensic Sci Int 2023:111600. [PMID: 36801088 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111600] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Gunshot residues (GSR) collected during the investigation of firearm-related incidents can provide useful information for the reconstruction of the events. Two main types of GSR traces can be targeted by forensic scientists, the inorganic (IGSR) and the organic GSR (OGSR). Up to now, forensic laboratories have mainly focused on the detection of inorganic particles on the hands and clothes of a person of interest using carbon stubs analysed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Several approaches have been proposed to also analyse the organic compounds since they might bring additional information for the investigation. However, implementing such approaches might disrupt the detection of IGSR (and vice versa depending on the applied sequence of analysis). In this work, two sequences were compared for the combined detection of both types of residues. One carbon stub was used for collection, and the analysis was performed either by targeting the IGSR or the OGSR first. The aim was to evaluate which one allows maximum recovery of both types of GSR while minimising losses that might occur at different stages of the analysis process. SEM/EDS was used for the detection of IGSR particles while an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used for the analysis of OGSR compounds. Extracting OGSR first required the implementation of an extraction protocol that did not interfere with the IGSR particles present on the stub. Both sequences allowed good recovery of the inorganic particles since no significant difference was observed in the detected concentrations. However, OGSR concentrations were lower after IGSR analysis than before for two compounds (ethyl and methylcentralite). Thus, it is advised to extract rapidly the OGSR before or after IGSR analysis to avoid losses during the storage and analysis processes. The data also indicated that there was a low correlation between IGSR and OGSR highlighting the potential of a combined detection and analysis of both types of GSR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Robyr
- Microscan Service SA, Chavannes-près-Renens, Switzerland
| | - Céline Weyermann
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
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5
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Vander Pyl C, Feeney W, Arroyo L, Trejos T. Capabilities and Limitations of GC-MS and LC-MS/MS for Trace Detection of Organic Gunshot Residues from Skin Specimens. Forensic Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2023.100471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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6
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Oberenko AV, Sagalakov SA, Kachin SV. [Current approaches for sampling to study the traces of gunshot residue]. Sud Med Ekspert 2023; 66:55-58. [PMID: 38093431 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20236606155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
An overview of researches, mainly by foreign specialists, on current available approaches for sampling to study the traces of gunshot residue (GSR) is presented. The comparative characteristics of traditional methods of samples (use of cotton and gauze tampons, blotting paper, textile fabrics, adhesive tapes, adhesives and vacuum samplers), as well as advanced technologies, including special devices and sorbents, are given. The characteristics of samplings from hands, scalp, nostrils, clothes of examined persons as well as procedures, that allow to increase the duration of GSR detection, are described in details. The importance of GSR sustainability over time is noted. On average, the most likely detection periods of particles are less than 1 hour for samples, collected from hands, more than 1 hour for samples from clothes and 2-3 hours for face. It is possible to detect the GSR particles in hair up to 24 h., and in nasal mucus after 6 h. of shot. The methods of identification and determination for analytes of inorganic and organic nature are discussed. The most common methods for determining heavy metal particles are atomic spectrometry, namely atomic absorption with electrothermal atomization and atomic emission. The combination of scanning laser ablation and mass-spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma makes it possible to detect more than 15 analytes in a single sample. Scanning electron microscopy with X-ray detectors is effective for the examination of powder particles. The described methods of sampling complement each other increasing the possibility of evidence base for court proceedings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Oberenko
- Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Expert-Criminalistic Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Siberian Federal District, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | | | - S V Kachin
- Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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7
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8
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Ong TH, Ljunggren J, Mendum T, Geurtsen G, Kunz RR. Vapor Signatures of Double-Base Smokeless Powders and Gunshot Residues for Supporting Canine Odor Imprinting. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:22567-22576. [PMID: 35811902 PMCID: PMC9260922 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Non-intrusive means to detect concealed firearms based on magnetometry are widely accepted and employed worldwide. Explosive detection canines can also detect concealed firearms provided that they are imprinted on materials that may be related to firearms such as nitroglycerin in double-base smokeless powders. However, there are hundreds of possible smokeless powder formulations across various manufacturers, presenting a challenge for trained canines to generalize across all possible powder compositions. In response, this paper reports a set of potential imprinting vapor(s) that may help detection canines generalize across a variety of double-base smokeless powders and gunshot residues. Statistical analysis was conducted on the smokeless powder database maintained by the National Center for Forensic Science, and headspace measurements targeting nitroglycerin and diphenylamine were collected from several powders. In addition, measurements were taken to track nitroglycerin and diphenylamine vapor concentration changes over time on the spent casings and gun barrels of four types of ammunition. The observed vapor concentration mixing ratios for nitroglycerin and diphenylamine from residues were in the part-per-billion to part-per-trillion range, which would be challenging to detect for many field-deployed explosive vapor detectors and indicate continued importance of canines for forensic investigation and crime prevention. Analyses suggest four potential vapor compositions for imprinting. For unburnt powders, 90% nitroglycerin and 10% diphenylamine appear adequate for most powders, and 90% dinitrotoluene and 10% diphenylamine is a possible candidate to increase generalization to powders that contain dinitrotoluene instead of nitroglycerin. 100% nitroglycerin appears adequate for many gunshot residues (GSRs). Diphenylamine may be present in some GSRs, and equal compositions of nitroglycerin and diphenylamine may be adequate for imprinting against these residues as they age (this study tracked signatures up to 7 weeks after discharge).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Hsuan Ong
- Biological
& Chemical Technologies, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - James Ljunggren
- Charlie
Four Security Group, 33 Santom Street, Auburn, Massachusetts 01501, United States
| | - Ted Mendum
- Biological
& Chemical Technologies, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Geoff Geurtsen
- Biological
& Chemical Technologies, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
| | - Roderick Russell Kunz
- Biological
& Chemical Technologies, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, United States
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9
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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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10
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Dalzell KA, Ott CE, Trejos T, Arroyo LE. Comparison of portable and benchtop electrochemical instruments for detection of inorganic and organic gunshot residues in authentic shooter samples. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1450-1460. [PMID: 35490301 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15049] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of gunshot residue currently lacks effective screening methods that can be implemented in real time at the crime scene. Historically, SEM-EDS has been the standard for analysis; however, advances in technology have brought portable instrumentation to the forefront of forensic science disciplines, including the screening of GSR. This study proposes electrochemical methods with disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes for GSR screening at the laboratory and points of care due to their rapid, cost-efficient, and compact platform. GSR residues were extracted from typical aluminum/carbon adhesive collection stubs and analyzed via square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Benchtop and portable electrochemical instruments were compared for the assessment and classification of authentic shooter samples by monitoring a panel of inorganic and organic GSR elements and compounds including lead, antimony, copper, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, nitroglycerin, and ethyl centralite. The evaluation included the assessment of figures of merit and performance measures from quality controls, nonshooter, and shooter data sets. Samples collected from the hands of 200 background individuals (nonshooters), and shooters who fired leaded ammunition (100) and lead-free ammunition (50) were analyzed by the benchtop and portable systems with accuracies of 95.7% and 96.5%, respectively. The findings indicate that electrochemical methods are fast, sensitive, and specific for the identification of inorganic and organic gunshot residues. The portable potentiostat provided results comparable with the benchtop system, serving as a proof-of-concept to transition this methodology to crime scenes for a practical and inexpensive GSR screening that could reduce backlogs, improve investigative leads, and increase the impact of gunshot residues in forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourtney A Dalzell
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Colby E Ott
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Tatiana Trejos
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Luis E Arroyo
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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11
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Charles S, Jonckheere A. The use and understanding of forensic reports by judicial actors-The field of gunshot residue expertise as an example. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 335:111312. [PMID: 35468575 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111312] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive review was conducted on 42 closed court cases for which at least one gunshot residue (GSR) expertise had been requested. The aim of this study is to examine the use and understanding of the GSR findings by criminal justice professionals, the contribution to/relationship with other (forensic) elements of the case, and ultimately to assess the place of the GSR expertise in judicial decisions. The study shows that, in the vast majority of cases, the court appeared to interpret and use the GSR findings correctly, although some minor misuses were identified, mainly when the court incorrectly mentioned the expert's words, using the prosecutor's fallacy. In the end, a higher percentage of conviction rate (+23% points) was observed when incriminating GSR findings were obtained. Surprisingly, in half of the cases examined in which a guilty verdict was reached, GSR evidence was the only forensic evidence in the file.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Charles
- National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Alexia Jonckheere
- National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Schachel TD, Schulte-Ladbeck R. Rapid and straight forward mass spectrometric determination of nitrocellulose in smokeless powder by DART-Q-ToF-MS/MS. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 336:111326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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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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14
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Brünjes R, Schüürman J, Kammer FVD, Hofmann T. Rapid analysis of gunshot residues with single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 332:111202. [PMID: 35074710 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gunshot residues (GSRs) from different types of ammunition have been characterized using a new method based on single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-TOF-MS). This method can analyze thousands of particles per minute enabling rapid sample screening for GSR detection with minimal sample preparation. GSR particles are multi-elemental nanoparticles that are mainly defined by the elements lead, barium, and antimony. Sp-ICP-TOF-MS was also used to identify other elements contained in GSR particles while standard particle classification protocols do not consider the complexities of GSR compositions and can therefore miss out on valuable information. The proposed method can be used to support existing GSR detection methods, especially when lead-free, antimony-free, or tagged ammunition has been used; it also provides a possibility for multi-elemental fingerprinting of GSR particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Brünjes
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Environmental Geosciences, Althanstraße 14, UZA2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jan Schüürman
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Environmental Geosciences, Althanstraße 14, UZA2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Frank von der Kammer
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Environmental Geosciences, Althanstraße 14, UZA2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thilo Hofmann
- University of Vienna, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Environmental Geosciences, Althanstraße 14, UZA2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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15
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Séguin K, Falardeau M, Mousseau V, Ducharme N, Cadola L, Crispino F. First lessons regarding the data analysis of gunshot residue traces at activity level in TTADB. CANADIAN SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00085030.2021.2007666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karelle Séguin
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Criminalistique, Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Mylène Falardeau
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Criminalistique, Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Mousseau
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Criminalistique, Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- École de Criminologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre Interuniversitaire de Criminologie Comparée (CICC), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Nadia Ducharme
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Criminalistique, Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Liv Cadola
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Criminalistique, Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Frank Crispino
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Criminalistique, Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- Centre Interuniversitaire de Criminologie Comparée (CICC), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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16
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Sáez-Martínez P, Gárate-Lagos J, Camargo S, Torres-Roquer F, Queralt I, Salazar-Kuri U. Combining grazing incidence X-rays and micro-diffraction for qualitative phase identification in forensic powdered micro-samples. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 328:111054. [PMID: 34666305 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111054] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Capillary diffraction or microdiffraction are standard techniques for characterizing small samples when only a few milligrams are available. On the other hand, we have typical grazing incidence diffraction or different variations of grazing incidence (GI) diffraction used, such as in-plane grazing incidence (IP-GI) or GI using a micro focusing source, to study thin films. However, when few powder micrograms are available, the characterization task is complicated. In the present work, few micrograms of typical forensic samples are analyzed using standard Bragg-Brentano, X-ray powder diffraction geometry, and grazing incidence X-ray micro-diffraction (GIµXRD). Samples include soils, cosmetic eyeshadows, two different pyrotechnic materials, and a highly explosive mixture contained at primer cup of ammunition. The analysis was carried out from 1 to 5 degrees of the incident parallel beam with a shaking sample. Depending on the fixed incident angle, different small regions of the diffraction patterns showed an improvement in the intensity of the peaks with respect to the conventional Bragg-Brentano configuration. However, 3-5 degrees of the fixed incident beam showed the best results. This new data acquisition technique, based on the combination of two known diffraction methods, could be a powerful tool for studying samples outside of forensic sciences such as nanomaterials, medicine, or any other field where the sample quantity is extremely small, also, without the need to transport evidence and travel to external facilities with higher analytical performance such as synchrotron radiation installations or other large experimental facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sáez-Martínez
- Sección Microanálisis, Laboratorio de Criminalística Central, Policía de Investigaciones de Chile, Carlos Silva Vildósola #9783, La Reina, Región Metropolitana 7860379, Chile
| | - J Gárate-Lagos
- Sección Microanálisis, Laboratorio de Criminalística Central, Policía de Investigaciones de Chile, Carlos Silva Vildósola #9783, La Reina, Región Metropolitana 7860379, Chile
| | - S Camargo
- Instituto de Física, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J-48, Puebla, Pue.72570, Mexico
| | - F Torres-Roquer
- Sección Microanálisis, Laboratorio de Criminalística Central, Policía de Investigaciones de Chile, Carlos Silva Vildósola #9783, La Reina, Región Metropolitana 7860379, Chile
| | - I Queralt
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona St. 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - U Salazar-Kuri
- Instituto de Física, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J-48, Puebla, Pue.72570, Mexico.
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17
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Aberle MG, Kobus H, Robertson J, O'Driscoll C, Hoogewerff JA. A fresh scientific look at transfer and persistence: From a materials science and tribology perspective. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:9-27. [PMID: 34369592 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the mechanisms governing transfer, persistence, and recovery of trace evidence, together with background prevalence in the population of interest, and other task relevant information, is key for the forensic interpretation and reconstruction of what happened at the activity level. Up to now, this informational "toolkit" has largely been developed through empirical forensic studies on specific trace materials such as glass, textile fibers, and soil. Combined with the identified systemic siloing between disciplines, while valuable, such research tends to be very material-dependent, introducing specific parameters and interpretations that may have actually impeded the recognition of underlying foundational factors applicable to most material types. In Australia, there has been a renewed interest in developing a discipline-independent framework for the interpretation and/or reconstruction of trace evidence to interpret specific circumstances in casework. In this paper, we present a discipline agnostic "way of thinking" that has been anchored in foundational science underpinning the trace evidence discipline. Physical and mechanical material properties such as material geometry and surface topography, strength, stiffness, and hardness collectively influence contact interactions through underlying friction, wear, and lubrication cause and effect mechanisms. We discuss how these fundamental factors and parameters stemming from materials science and tribology may be adopted and adapted by forensic practitioners and researchers to contribute to a better understanding of transfer, persistence, and recovery mechanisms irrespective of evidence discipline and material type. Examples are provided to demonstrate the practical significance to real-life casework and academic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Aberle
- National Centre for Forensic Studies, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Hilton Kobus
- National Centre for Forensic Studies, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia.,Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - James Robertson
- National Centre for Forensic Studies, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Caroline O'Driscoll
- National Centre for Forensic Studies, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia.,Australian Federal Police, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jurian A Hoogewerff
- National Centre for Forensic Studies, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
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18
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Vander Pyl C, Martinez-Lopez C, Menking Hoggatt K, Trejos T. Analysis of primer gunshot residue particles by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Analyst 2021; 146:5389-5402. [PMID: 34346415 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00689d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study reports novel approaches for the detection of gunshot residues (GSR) from the hands of individuals using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The methods' performance was evaluated using 159 GSR standard and authentic samples. Forty specimens generated from characterized microparticles were used as matrix-matched primer gunshot residue (pGSR) standards to examine the elemental profiles of leaded and lead-free residues, compared to SEM-EDS and solution-ICP-MS. Also, 119 authentic skin samples were analyzed to estimate error rates. Shooter samples were correctly classified into three categories based on their elemental composition (leaded, lead-free, or mixed pGSR). A total of 60 non-shooter samples were used to establish background thresholds and estimate specificity (93.4% for LA-ICP-MS and 100% for LIBS). All the authentic leaded items resulted in the detection of particle(s) with composition characteristic of pGSR (Pb-Ba-Sb), as observed by simultaneous elemental identification of target analytes at the exact ablation times and locations. When considering the pre-characterized elemental composition of these primers as the "ground truth", LA-ICP-MS resulted in 91.8% sensitivity (true positive rate), while LIBS resulted in 89.2% sensitivity. Particles containing Ba, Bi, Bi-Cu-K, and Cu-Ti-Zn were found in the lead-free residues. Identification of lead-free GSR proved more challenging as some of these elements are common in the environment, resulting in 85.2% sensitivity for LA-ICP-MS and 44.4% for LIBS. Overall accuracies of 94.9% and 88.2% were obtained for the LA-ICP-MS and LIBS sets, respectively. LA-ICP-MS provided an additional level of confidence in the results by its superior analytical capabilities, complementing the LIBS chemical profiles. The laser-based methods provide rapid chemical profiling and micro-spatial information of gunshot residue particles, with minimal destruction of the sample and high accuracy. Chemical mapping of 25 micro-regions per sample is possible in 2-10 minutes by LIBS and LA-ICP-MS, offering new tools for more comprehensive forensic case management and quick GSR screening in environmental and occupational sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Vander Pyl
- West Virginia University, Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, 208 Oglebay Hall, Morgantown, WV 26506-6121, USA.
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19
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Feeney W, Menking-Hoggatt K, Vander Pyl C, Ott CE, Bell S, Arroyo L, Trejos T. Detection of organic and inorganic gunshot residues from hands using complexing agents and LC-MS/MS. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 13:3024-3039. [PMID: 34159965 DOI: 10.1039/d1ay00778e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Gunshot residue (GSR) refers to a conglomerate consisting of both organic molecules (OGSR) and inorganic species (IGSR). Historically, forensic examiners have focused only on identifying the IGSR particles by their morphology and elemental composition. Nonetheless, modern ammunition formulations and challenges with the GSR transference (such as secondary and tertiary transfer) have driven research efforts for more comprehensive examinations, requiring alternative analytical techniques. This study proposes the use of LC-MS/MS for chromatographic separation and dual detection of inorganic and organic residues. The detection of both target species in the same sample increases the confidence that chemical profiles came from a gun's discharge instead of non-firearm-related sources. This strategy implements supramolecular molecules that complex with the IGSR species, allowing them to elute from the column towards the mass spectrometer while retaining isotopic ratios for quick and unambiguous identification. The macrocycle (18-crown-6-ether) complexes with lead and barium, while antimony complexes with a chelating agent (tartaric acid). The total analysis time for OGSR and IGSR in one sample is under 20 minutes. This manuscript expands from a previous proof-of-concept publication by improving figures of merit, increasing the target analytes, testing the method's feasibility through a more extensive set of authentic specimens collected from the hands of both shooters and non-shooters, and comparing performance with other analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, electrochemical methods and LIBS. The linear dynamic ranges (LDR) spread across the low ppb range for OGSR (0.3-200 ppb) and low ppm range (0.1-6.0 ppm) for IGSR. The method's accuracy increased overall when both organic and inorganic profiles were combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Feeney
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, 1600 University Ave, Morgantown, WV, USA
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20
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Development of tailor-made inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) microparticle standards and characterization with a multi-technique approach. Talanta 2021; 225:121984. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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21
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Trends in Gunshot Residue Detection by Electrochemical Methods for Forensic Purpose. JOURNAL OF ANALYSIS AND TESTING 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41664-020-00152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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22
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Bonnar C, Popelka-Filcoff R, Kirkbride KP. Armed with the Facts: A Method for the Analysis of Smokeless Powders by Ambient Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:1943-1956. [PMID: 32872785 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The work presented here follows several others in investigating what capabilities, if any, ambient mass spectrometry might have toward the analysis of compounds commonly associated with smokeless propellant powders. This family of instrumental techniques has attracted curiosity from the field of forensic science due to its desirable properties such as rapid collection of information-rich data, combined with minimal requirements for sample mass and preparation. Experiments were conducted with a "Direct Sample Analysis" ion source integrated with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The ionization behaviors of nitroglycerin, methyl and ethyl centralite, akardite, diphenylamine, nitrosodiphenylamine, and nitrated diphenylamine derivatives were investigated specifically, with accurate-mass data presented for each. Diphenylamine standards were used to demonstrate the performance of this instrument, which exhibited good response linearity across 1 order of magnitude and sub-nanogram detection limits. Thirty smokeless powder extracts, recovered from ammunition potentially in circulation within Australia, were analyzed to determine whether the technique is appropriate for rapid analysis of smokeless powder particles. Results demonstrated that the technique might be applied to compare individual particles with each other or to a database. Such a capability may be of value in the examination of explosive devices containing smokeless powder, postblast residues therefrom, or muzzle discharge from a close-range shooting. However, when efforts were made to detect residues from the hands of a volunteer shooter, only some returned positive results, and a high background signal from the sample collection stub indicates that detection using this instrument is thus far insufficiently reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Bonnar
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Rachel Popelka-Filcoff
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
- School of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia
| | - K Paul Kirkbride
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
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Ott CE, Dalzell KA, Calderón-Arce PJ, Alvarado-Gámez AL, Trejos T, Arroyo LE. Evaluation of the Simultaneous Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot Residues Within a Large Population Data Set Using Electrochemical Sensors* , †. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1935-1944. [PMID: 32841369 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The increasing demand for rapid methods to identify both inorganic and organic gunshot residues (IGSR and OGSR) makes electrochemical methods, an attractive screening tool to modernize current practice. Our research group has previously demonstrated that electrochemical screening of GSR samples delivers a simple, inexpensive, and sensitive analytical solution that is capable of detecting IGSR and OGSR in less than 10 min per sample. In this study, we expand our previous work by increasing the number of GSR markers and applying machine learning classifiers to the interpretation of a larger population data set. Utilizing bare screen-printed carbon electrodes, the detection and resolution of seven markers (IGSR; lead, antimony, and copper, and OGSR; nitroglycerin, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite) was achieved with limits of detection (LODs) below 1 µg/mL. A large population data set was obtained from 395 authentic shooter samples and 350 background samples. Various statistical methods and machine learning algorithms, including critical thresholds (CT), naïve Bayes (NB), logistic regression (LR), and neural networks (NN), were utilized to calculate the performance and error rates. Neural networks proved to be the best predictor when assessing the dichotomous question of detection of GSR on the hands of shooter versus nonshooter groups. Accuracies for the studied population were 81.8 % (CT), 88.1% (NB), 94.7% (LR), and 95.4% (NN), respectively. The ability to detect both IGSR and OGSR simultaneously provides a selective testing platform for gunshot residues that can provide a powerful field-testing technique and assist with decisions in case management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colby E Ott
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506
| | - Kourtney A Dalzell
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506
| | - Pedro José Calderón-Arce
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química, CELEQ, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Ana Lorena Alvarado-Gámez
- Centro de Electroquímica y Energía Química, CELEQ, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Tatiana Trejos
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506
| | - Luis E Arroyo
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506
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