1
|
Kasprzyk I. Forensic botany: who?, how?, where?, when? Sci Justice 2023; 63:258-275. [PMID: 36870705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Plants are a good source of biological forensic evidence; this is due to their ubiquity, their ability to collect reference material, and their sensitivity to environmental changes. However, in many countries, botanical evidence is recognised as being scientifically. Botanical evidence is not mostly used for perpertration, instead it tends to serve as circumstantial evidence. Plant materials constitute the basis, among others, for linking a suspect or object to a crime scene or a victim, confirming or not confirming an alibi, determining the post-mortem interval, and determining the origin of food/object. Forensic botany entails field work, knowledge of plants, understanding ecosystem processes, and a basis understaning of geoscience. In this study, experiments with mammal cadavers were conducted to determine the occurence of an event. The simplest criterion characterising botanical evidence is its size. Therefore, macroremains include whole plants or their larger fragments (e.g. tree bark, leaves, seeds, prickles, and thorns), whereas microscopic evidence includes palynomorphs (spores and pollen grains), diatoms, and tissues. Botanical methods allow for an analysis to be repeated multiple times and the test material is easy to collect in the field. Forensic botany can be supplemented with molecular analyses, which, although specific and sensitive, still require validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Idalia Kasprzyk
- Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Al. Rejtana 16c, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cubbage H, Macey C, Scott K. Macroscopic assessment of environmental trace evidence dynamics in forensic settings. Sci Justice 2023; 63:376-386. [PMID: 37169463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental trace evidence offers useful circumstantial intelligence to link persons and scenes of forensic interest. An increasing empirical research base is dedicated towards understanding the transfer and persistence dynamics of environmental indicators including pollen, soils, and diatoms, within a diverse range of experimental frameworks. This paper presents two discrete studies exploring transfer and persistence of soils and sediments on footwear and diatomaceous earth adhered to clothing in forensically pertinent scenarios. Variables including sediment type, foot position, clothing type, and body positioning were also explored throughout. Both experiments incorporated a field-based methodology during the sampling effort. Photographs were collected of an initial transfer sample and of a retained assemblage following hours, days, and up to one-week of wear, facilitating macroscopic assessment of trace evidence dynamics. All images were processed using accessible, open-source software before spatial analysis of evidence distribution within and temporal assessment (% retention) upon each evidential surface. The results highlighted consistent loss of transferred sediment from footwear with significantly greater retention of loamy clay soil than dune sand which was absent beyond 24 h of wear. Loss was not influenced by wearer gait but was more rapid from those areas of the shoe sole in direct contact with the ground. Diatomaceous earth was retrieved from all three clothing types tested after one week - significant losses of material occurred before 48 h with a consistent assemblage identified beyond this. Denim was significantly more effective than acrylic and fleece for diatomaceous earth retention and significantly more material was lost from clothing worn on the lower body. These findings highlight the value of using visual environmental markers and a macroscopic analytical approach during the investigation of environmental trace dynamics. The methodology offers a novel, non-destructive assessment of soil and diatom transfer and persistence, complementing more extensive laboratory-based examinations to ensure the development of a well-rounded research base within the forensic sciences.
Collapse
|
3
|
Bogusz I, Bogusz M, Żelazna-Wieczorek J. Diatoms from inland aquatic and soil habitats as indestructible and nonremovable forensic environmental evidence. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1490-1504. [PMID: 35234286 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15017] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Environmental analysis of soil, water, and plants plays a key role in the criminal investigation process, as it not only provides information about the course of the crime, but it can also elucidate the connection between the offender, the victim, and the environment. One particularly useful way of linking the victim and offender to a specific environment is by analyzing their clothing for the presence of diatoms. The present research was conducted upon field experiments. Firstly, it examines the variability of diatom and the quantitative analysis of diatom communities in designated places, each at an increasing distance from the aquatic ecosystem. Secondly, it analyses the differentiation of the structure of diatom communities in designated environments located close to each other. Thirdly, it examines the diatom colonization of selected substrates: cotton, chamois leather, and sponge. Finally, it confirms whether the diatoms which transfer to socks after contact with the selected environment reflect the structure of the diatom communities in that environment, even after the socks had been washed. Our findings indicate that diatom communities vary considerably, even between environments separated by short distances, and that objects placed in a particular environment are colonized by diatoms that reflect the environmental samples, irrespective of the substrate. In addition, after contact with a specific aquatic ecosystem, sock material retained diatom collections that reflected the environment samples, even though the time of exposure was very short and after the socks had been washed. This provides valuable information that can be used as forensic evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Bogusz
- Special Training Unit, Police Training Centre in Legionowo, Legionowo, Poland.,Department of Algology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Marek Bogusz
- Forensic Medicine Department of Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland.,Department of Algology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Joanna Żelazna-Wieczorek
- Department of Algology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Scott KR, Jones VJ, Cameron NG, Young JM, Morgan RM. Freshwater diatom persistence on clothing II: Further analysis of species assemblage dynamics over investigative timescales. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 326:110897. [PMID: 34411937 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Diatoms are a useful form of environmental trace evidence, yielding a circumstantial link between persons and scenes of forensic interest. A developing empirical research base has sought to understand those factors affecting the transfer and persistence of freshwater diatoms on clothing and footwear surfaces. Although an initial study has demonstrated that diatoms can persist on clothing following weeks of wear, no previous research has explored the temporal dynamics of a persistent species assemblage over timescales pertinent to forensic investigations. This study therefore aimed to determine if: (1) valve morphology (size and shape) influences diatom persistence, (2) the relative abundance of taxa within an assemblage affects retention, and (3) a persistent diatom assemblage retrieved from clothing after one month can reliably be compared to the site of initial transfer. To build on previous research findings which highlighted the impact of substrate and environmental seasonality on diatom transfer and persistence, here, nine clothing materials were tested in spring before a seasonal comparison in the winter. Fabric swatches were immersed in a freshwater river, worn attached to clothing, and subsamples retrieved at regular intervals (hours, days, weeks) up to one month post-immersion. Diatoms were extracted using a H2O2 technique and analysed via microscopy. The results indicated that smaller diatoms (< 10 µm) are retained in significantly greater abundance, with no statistically significant difference between centric and pennate diatom loss over time. Although a persistent species assemblage was relatively stable over the one month of wear, significant differences were identified between clothing substrate in the spring and between the seasonal samples. The most abundant environmental taxa were consistently identified in the forensic samples, with greater variability attributed to the retention of relatively less common species. The findings suggest that, despite a loss in the abundance and species-richness of diatoms retrieved from clothing over time, a persistent assemblage may provide a useful circumstantial link to the site of initial transfer. The complex relationships between clothing type, environmental seasonality, and time since wear on retention, emphasise the need for diatom trace evidence to be carefully interpreted within an exclusionary framework, and the significance of any casework findings to be determined with reference to empirical evidence bases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K R Scott
- School of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, United Kingdom; Department of Security & Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - V J Jones
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Department of Geography, North West Wing, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - N G Cameron
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Department of Geography, North West Wing, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - J M Young
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - R M Morgan
- Department of Security & Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Freshwater diatom persistence on clothing I: A quantitative assessment of trace evidence dynamics over time. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 325:110898. [PMID: 34247142 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Freshwater diatoms offer valuable circumstantial forensic indicators, with a growing empirical research base aiming to identify and understand some of the spatial and temporal factors affecting their validity as trace evidence. Previous studies demonstrated that recipient surface characteristics, environmental variability, and individual species traits influence the initial transfer of freshwater diatoms to clothing. However, no previous research has sought to consider the impact of these and other variables on the persistence of transferred diatoms over investigative timescales. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and explore diatom retention dynamics on clothing following wear over time (hours to weeks). A series of experiments were designed to examine the impact of clothing material, seasonality, and time since wear (persistence interval) on the total number and species-richness of diatoms recovered and their relative retention (%) over time. Nine clothing swatches were immersed in a freshwater environment and then worn for one month in the spring. Subsamples were retrieved at regular intervals (e.g. 30 mins, 1 h, 8 h, 24 h) up to one month, diatoms were extracted using a H2O2 method, and examined microscopically. Three clothing materials were subject to the same experiment in the winter to generate a seasonal comparison. The results broadly identified three stages of diatom persistence on clothing - rapid initial loss, variable intermediate decay, and sustained long-term presence. Clothing material significantly impacted the number of diatoms recovered and retention dynamics over time, with complex interactions identified with seasonality. Although fewer diatoms were recovered in the winter, overall retention trends were consistent at the different times of year. The findings demonstrate that diatoms can be recovered from clothing, even weeks or months after an initial transfer, yielding a useful environmental trace indicator for forensic reconstructions over investigative timescales. The impact of clothing material and seasonality on persistence identified cotton, acrylic, and viscose clothing as the most reliable temporal repository of diatom trace evidence, with a more abundant forensic assemblage available for forensic comparisons in the spring.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bonfantine KL, Trevathan-Tackett SM, Matthews TG, Neckovic A, Gan HM. Dumpster diving for diatom plastid 16S rRNA genes. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11576. [PMID: 34249491 PMCID: PMC8255066 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High throughput sequencing is improving the efficiency of monitoring diatoms, which inhabit and support aquatic ecosystems across the globe. In this study, we explored the potential of a standard V4 515F-806RB primer pair in recovering diatom plastid 16S rRNA sequences. We used PhytoREF to classify the 16S reads from our freshwater biofilm field sampling from three stream segments across two streams in south-eastern Australia and retrieved diatom community data from other, publicly deposited, Australian 16S amplicon datasets. When these diatom operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were traced using the default RDPII and NCBI databases, 68% were characterized as uncultured cyanobacteria. We analysed the 16S rRNA sequences from 72 stream biofilm samples, separated the chloroplast OTUs, and classified them using the PhytoREF database. After filtering the reads attributed to Bacillariophyta (relative abundance >1%), 71 diatom OTUs comprising more than 90% of the diatom reads in each stream biofilm sample were identified. Beta-diversity analyses demonstrated significantly different diatom assemblages and discrimination among river segments. To further test the approach, the diatom OTUs from our biofilm sampling were used as reference sequences to identify diatom reads from other Australian 16S rRNA datasets in the NCBI-SRA database. Across the three selected public datasets, 67 of our 71 diatom OTUs were detected in other Australian ecosystems. Our results show that diatom plastid 16S rRNA genes are readily amplified with existing 515F-806RB primer sets. Therefore, the volume of existing 16S rRNA amplicon datasets initially generated for microbial community profiling can also be used to detect, characterize, and map diatom distribution to inform phylogeny and ecological health assessments, and can be extended into a range of ecological and industrial applications. To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to classify freshwater samples using this approach and the first application of PhytoREF in Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista L Bonfantine
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Stacey M Trevathan-Tackett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Ty G Matthews
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Ana Neckovic
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Han Ming Gan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.,GeneSEQ Sdn Bhd, Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Diatoms constrain forensic burial timelines: case study with DB Cooper money. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13036. [PMID: 32747687 PMCID: PMC7400570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70015-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Diatoms are found universally in waters around the world. Some diatom species such as Asterionella formosa have a broad variation in seasonal abundance leading to the possibility that diatoms could constrain the time of year when an object was immersed in water. Here we apply this technique to the cold case of DB Cooper’s money. Nine years after the crime, six thousand dollars in three bundles were found on the shore of the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon. This burial site was ~30 km from his reported jump location which gave no apparent reason for the money to end up there. This study found diatoms on a recovered bill which indicates that the money was immersed before burial. The species mix found on the bills was compared to a test bill submerged in the Columbia River in November which was the timeframe for the crime. The Cooper bill contained diatoms from summer bloom species suggesting that the money was not directly buried dry and the immersion happened months after the late November hijacking. This finding rules out of a majority of current theories related to the crime and proposes diatoms as a feasible methodology to constrain seasonal timelines in forensics.
Collapse
|
8
|
Young JM, Linacre A. Massively parallel sequencing is unlocking the potential of environmental trace evidence. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 50:102393. [PMID: 33157385 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has revolutionised the field of genomics enabling substantial advances in human DNA profiling. Further, the advent of MPS now allows biological signatures to be obtained from complex DNA mixtures and trace amounts of low biomass samples. Environmental samples serve as ideal forms of contact trace evidence as detection at a scene can establish a link between a suspect, location and victim. Many studies have applied MPS technology to characterise the biodiversity within high biomass environmental samples (such as soil and water) to address questions related to ecology, conservation, climate change and human health. However, translation of these tools to forensic science remains in its infancy, due in part to the merging of traditional forensic ecology practices with unfamiliar DNA technologies and complex datasets. In addition, people and objects also carry low biomass environmental signals which have recently been shown to reflect a specific individual or location. The sensitivity, and reducing cost, of MPS is now unlocking the power of both high and low biomass environmental DNA (eDNA) samples as useful sources of genetic information in forensic science. This paper discusses the potential of eDNA to forensic science by reviewing the most explored applications that are leading the integration of this technology into the field. We introduce novel areas of forensic ecology that could also benefit from these tools with a focus on linking a suspect to a scene or establishing provenance of an unknown sample and discuss the current limitations and validation recommendations to achieve translation of eDNA into casework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Young
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - A Linacre
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Transferability of Australian diatoms to clothing: Assessment of several extraction methods on different fabric types under laboratory conditions. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 312:110297. [PMID: 32470894 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Crime scene investigation protocols and procedures are well established when concerning terrestrial environments, but are limited when associated with aquatic environments. In aquatic contexts, the soil, sediments and microscopic algae (e.g. diatoms) may all be used as sources of trace evidence for criminal investigations. Diatoms are one such source that can be used to support the diagnosis of death by drowning and can be used to verify contact between a suspect and a specific water body. For the latter, diatoms can be collected from clothing and shoes for forensic comparisons. Over the years, there have been several methods proposed for the extraction of diatoms from clothing, however, a best practice method is yet to be established and is still open to debate. The present research represents the first investigation that evaluates four different methods for the extraction of native and common Australian diatom species from four different types of fabrics. Diatoms of two different species and shape (pennate and centric) were cultivated in stimulated experimental waters - prepared using either monocultures or mixed cultures of the selected diatoms. Diatom concentrations were set to mimic the natural population (low to bloom events) as commonly found in the Swan River Estuary of Western Australia. Cotton, denim, blend, and acrylic fabric types were placed in experimental waters. Diatom extraction was attempted using methods already proposed in the literature, these include: rinsing with ethanol (RE); rinsing with ethanol together with the application of centrifugal force (RECF); digestion with hydrogen peroxide (H); and a new method of ashing that has never been tested before (dry ash, DA). Results of this research showed that a) the type and the concentration of the mono and mix diatom mixtures significantly affects the transfer and extraction from different types of fabric; b) a noticeable extraction difference is observed between the fabrics, establishing denim, acrylic and blend fabrics as possessing the better extraction rates; c) H treatment had the highest extraction rate of diatoms; d) the application of centrifugal force on the RE method significantly improved the extraction of diatoms; e) DA is a potential method for the extraction of pennate-shaped diatoms from all of the tested fabrics, however, does have a tendency to induce modifications of the morphological structure of the diatoms. Overall, the application of different extraction methods is suggested to maximise the extraction of diatoms that would closely reflect their natural assemblage in the water body under investigation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gherghel S, Morgan RM, Arrebola-Liébanas JF, Blackman CS, Garrido-Frenich A, Parkin IP. Persistence of transferred fragrance on fabrics for forensic reconstruction applications. Sci Justice 2020; 60:53-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
11
|
Earwaker H, Nakhaeizadeh S, Smit NM, Morgan RM. A cultural change to enable improved decision-making in forensic science: A six phased approach. Sci Justice 2020; 60:9-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
12
|
Examining the transfer of soils to clothing materials: Implications for forensic investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 305:110030. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
13
|
Journey history reconstruction from the soils and sediments on footwear: An empirical approach. Sci Justice 2019; 59:306-316. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
14
|
Scott K, Morgan R, Cameron N, Jones V. Freshwater diatom transfer to clothing: Spatial and temporal influences on trace evidence in forensic reconstructions. Sci Justice 2019; 59:292-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
15
|
Fell SC, Carrivick JL, Kelly MG, Füreder L, Brown LE. Declining glacier cover threatens the biodiversity of alpine river diatom assemblages. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:5828-5840. [PMID: 30230660 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Climate change poses a considerable threat to the biodiversity of high altitude ecosystems worldwide, including cold-water river systems that are responding rapidly to a shrinking cryosphere. Most recent research has demonstrated the severe vulnerability of river invertebrates to glacier retreat but effects upon other aquatic groups remain poorly quantified. Using new data sets from the European Alps, we show significant responses to declining glacier cover for diatoms, which play a critical functional role as freshwater primary producers. Specifically, diatom α-diversity and density in rivers presently fed by glaciers will increase with future deglaciation, yet β-diversity within and between sites will reduce because declining glacier influence will lower the spatiotemporal variability of glacier cover and its associated habitat heterogeneity. Changes in diatom assemblage composition as glacier cover declined were associated strongly with increasing riverbed stability and water temperature. At the species level, diatoms showed a gradation of responses; for example, Eunotia trinacria, found exclusively at river sites with high (≥52%) catchment glacier cover, may be affected negatively by ice loss. Conversely, seven taxa confined to sites with no glacier cover, including Gomphonema calcareum, stand to benefit. Nineteen (22%) taxa were noted as threatened, endangered, rare or decreasing on the Red List of Algae for Germany, with most at sites ≤26% glacier cover, meaning further ice loss may benefit these diatoms. However, six taxa found only in rivers ≥28% glacier cover may require reclassification of their Red List conservation status, as this habitat is threatened by deglaciation. Our identification of clear links between decreasing glacier cover and river diatom biodiversity suggests there could be significant reorganization of river ecosystems with deglaciation, for example, through alterations to primary production, biogeochemical cycles, and the shifting resource base of alpine freshwater food webs which lack significant allochthonous energy inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Fell
- School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Leopold Füreder
- Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lee E Brown
- School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gherghel S, Morgan RM, Arrebola-Liébanas J, Romero-González R, Blackman CS, Garrido-Frenich A, Parkin IP. Development of a HS-SPME/GC–MS method for the analysis of volatile organic compounds from fabrics for forensic reconstruction applications. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 290:207-218. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
17
|
Selvaraj V, Thomas N, Anthuvan AJ, Nagamony P, Chinnuswamy V. Amine-functionalized diatom frustules: a platform for specific and sensitive detection of nitroaromatic explosive derivative. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:20540-20549. [PMID: 29243153 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0916-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, an attempt was made to develop a proof of concept for the detection of nitroaromatic explosive derivatives through the photoluminescence (PL) quenching process using functionalized diatom frustules as a sensing platform. The diatom frustules are composed of nanostructured, highly porous biogenic silica material and emit strong, visible blue PL upon UV excitation. PL-active biosilica was isolated from the marine diatom Nitzschia sp. and was amine-functionalized to develop a sensing platform. Functionalized diatom frustules were further characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope and a series of spectroscopic methods. When nitroaromatic compounds were bound to the functionalized diatom frustules biosilica, the PL intensity from the functionalized biosilica was partially quenched due to the electrophilic nature of the nitro (-NO) groups. The quenching process confirmed the Meisenheimer complex formation and was investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence studies. The developed platform was further evaluated for its sensitivity and specificity, and the limit of detection (LOD) of the assay was determined as 1 μM for a series of nitroaromatic explosive compounds. In conclusion, the developed sensing platform will have great utility in the development of on-site detection platforms for sensitive detection of warfare explosive nitroaromatic compounds from the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viji Selvaraj
- Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641046, India
| | - Neethi Thomas
- Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641046, India
| | - Allen Joseph Anthuvan
- Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641046, India
| | - Ponpandian Nagamony
- Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641046, India
| | - Viswanathan Chinnuswamy
- Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641046, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Smit NM, Morgan RM, Lagnado DA. A systematic analysis of misleading evidence in unsafe rulings in England and Wales. Sci Justice 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
19
|
Levin E, Morgan R, Scott K, Jones V. The transfer of diatoms from freshwater to footwear materials: An experimental study assessing transfer, persistence, and extraction methods for forensic reconstruction. Sci Justice 2017; 57:349-360. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
20
|
Wilks B, Morgan RM, Rose NL. An experimental study addressing the use of geoforensic analysis for the exploitation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:52-67. [PMID: 28692859 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of geoforensic analysis in criminal investigations is continuing to develop, with the diversification of analytical techniques, many of which are semi-automated, facilitating prompt analysis of large sample sets at a relatively low cost. Whilst micro-scale geoforensic analysis has been shown to assist criminal investigations including homicide (Concheri et al., 2011 [1]), wildlife crime (Morgan et al., 2006 [2]), illicit drug distribution (Stanley, 1992 [3]), and burglary (Mildenhall, 2006 [4]), its application to the pressing international security threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is yet to be considered. This experimental study simulated an IED supply chain from the sourcing of raw materials through to device emplacement. Mineralogy, quartz grain surface texture analysis (QGSTA) and particle size analysis (PSA) were used to assess whether environmental materials were transferred and subsequently persisted on the different components of three pressure plate IEDs. The research also addressed whether these samples were comprised of material from single or multiple geographical provenances that represented supply chain activity nodes. The simulation demonstrated that material derived from multiple activity nodes, was transferred and persisted on device components. The results from the mineralogy and QGSTA illustrated the value these techniques offer for the analysis of mixed provenance samples. The results from the PSA, which produces a bulk signature of the sample, failed to distinguish multiple provenances. The study also considered how the environmental material recovered could be used to generate information regarding the geographical locations the device had been in contact with, in an intelligence style investigation, and demonstrated that geoforensic analysis has the potential to be of value to international counter-IED efforts. It is a tool that may be used to prevent the distribution of large quantities of devices, by aiding the identification of the geographical location of key activity nodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Wilks
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; UCL Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London,Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; UCL Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London,Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pandey G, Tharmavaram M, Rawtani D, Kumar S, Agrawal Y. Multifarious applications of atomic force microscopy in forensic science investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 273:53-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
22
|
Gherghel S, Morgan RM, Blackman CS, Karu K, Parkin IP. Analysis of transferred fragrance and its forensic implications. Sci Justice 2016; 56:413-420. [PMID: 27914546 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Perfumes are widely used by many people in developed countries, and a large number of both men and women wear perfumes on a daily basis. Analysis of perfume trace materials from clothing is not commonly employed within forensic casework, yet as a form of trace evidence it has the potential to provide valuable intelligence. In order to appreciate the value of trace evidence there is a fundamental need for an evidence base that can both offer insight into how a trace material behaves under different scenarios and activities, and from which inferences can be made. With this purpose a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for trace analysis of perfumes was developed. This paper presents two different series of experiments that investigate the dynamics of perfume transfer as a factor of perfume ageing time, and as a factor of perfume contact time. Empirical data showed that both perfume ageing time, and perfume contact time play a key role in the number of perfume components transferred. These studies have implication for forensic protocols, specifically for perfume trace evidence collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation, and there is potentially great value in analysing perfumes from clothing exhibits in forensic enquiries that involve close contact between individuals, such as sexual assaults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gherghel
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; UCL Department of Chemistry, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kersti Karu
- UCL Department of Chemistry, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan P Parkin
- UCL Department of Chemistry, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dragutinovic A, Uitdehaag S, Kuiper I. A reply to: The transferability of diatoms to clothing and the methods appropriate for their collection and analysis in forensic geoscience, Forensic Sci. Int. 241 (2014) 127–137. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 247:e25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
24
|
Scott KR, Morgan RM, Jones VJ, Cameron NG. Reply to A. Dragutinovic, 'A reply to: The transferability of diatoms to clothing and the methods appropriate for their collection and analysis in forensic geoscience Forensic Sci. Int. 241 (2014) 127-137'. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 247:e26-7. [PMID: 25497670 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie R Scott
- Department of Security and Crime Science, UCL, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK; Centre for the Forensic Sciences, UCL, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK; Environmental Change Research Centre, UCL, Department of Geography, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- Department of Security and Crime Science, UCL, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK; Centre for the Forensic Sciences, UCL, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK.
| | - Vivienne J Jones
- Environmental Change Research Centre, UCL, Department of Geography, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Nigel G Cameron
- Environmental Change Research Centre, UCL, Department of Geography, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|