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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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McKeever C, Callan S, Warren S, Dempsey E. Magnetic nanoparticle modified electrodes for voltammetric determination of propellant stabiliser diphenylamine. Talanta 2022; 238:123039. [PMID: 34801896 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.123039] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The overall aim of the work was to advance electrochemical devices capable of analysis of forensically relevant residues using rapid electrochemical sensor technology. In order to achieve this, electrochemical detection of the propellant stabiliser diphenylamine (DPA) was achieved via voltammetry with signal enhancement realised in the presence of iron oxide nanoparticle modified transducers. This allowed both mechanistic and analytical evaluation with the aim to achieve the required selectivity and sensitivity for reliable detection. DPA electrochemistry was examined at glassy carbon electrodes in aqueous (3:7 methanol: sodium acetate pH 4.3) electrolyte via potential sweeping, with an irreversible wave at Ep = 0.67 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The diffusion coefficient (D) for the oxidation process was calculated as 1.43 × 10-6 cm2 s-1 with αna = 0.7. DPA electrochemistry in a non aqueous methanol/acetonitrile electrolyte resulted in a D value of 5.47 × 10-8 cm2 s-1 with αna = 0.5. Electrochemical preparation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles was achieved via electrooxidation of an iron anode in the presence of an amine surfactant followed by characterisation with SEM/EDX, XRD, FTIR and thermal analysis. A surface confined layer of these magnetic nanoparticles served to positively influence the response to DPA while impeding formation of surface confined oxidation products, with generation of an improved analytical signal - sensitivity 1.13× 10-3 A cm-2 mM-1 relative to bare electrode response (9.80 × 10-4 A cm-2 mM-1) over the range 0.5-50 μM DPA using differential pulse voltammetry, with LOD 3.51 × 10-6 M and LOQ 1.17 × 10-5 M. Real sample analysis involved recovery and differential pulse voltammetry of unburnt and burnt gunshot residue with DPA qualitative and quantitative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm McKeever
- Department of Chemistry, Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sarah Callan
- Department of Chemistry, Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Susan Warren
- CREST Technology Gateway, FOCUS Research Institute, Technological University Dublin, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eithne Dempsey
- Department of Chemistry, Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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Black O, Smith SC, Roper C. Advances and limitations in the determination and assessment of gunshot residue in the environment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111689. [PMID: 33396021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gunshot residue (GSR) stemming from the discharge of firearms has been essential to advancements in the field of forensic science however the human and environmental health impacts from GSR are far less researched. GSR represents a multifaceted concern: it contains a complex mixture of inorganic and organic components and produces airborne particles with variable sizes, depositions, and fates. Herein we evaluate studies in the literature examining GSR collection, deposition, composition, environmental contamination, and potential remediation techniques within the last two decades (2000 - 2020). Throughout we reflect upon key findings and weaknesses in relation to environmental characterization of GSR and associated firearm contaminants. Research focused on techniques to analyze both inorganic and organic GSR simultaneously has begun, but requires additional effort. A vast majority of the available environmental characterization literature focuses on soil contamination at outdoor firing ranges for a select number of elements (Cu, Pb, Sb) with comparisons between ranges or at different collection distances and depths. There is limited ability for between study comparisons due to collection and analysis differences as well as a lack of background soil sampling. Notably, these studies lack direct quantification of the contribution of contaminants from GSR as well as analysis of organic compounds. Currently, there is a need for air monitoring to determine the composition, deposition, and fate of GSR, particularly in outdoor settings. This review summarizes the collection, characterization, and environmental studies related to GSR and highlights areas of research needed to establish the environmental health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Black
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Samuel Cole Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Courtney Roper
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
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Charles S, Geusens N, Vergalito E, Nys B. Interpol review of gunshot residue 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2021; 2:416-428. [PMID: 33385140 PMCID: PMC7770441 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in gunshot residue analysis from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Geusens
- INCC-NICC, Chaussée de Vilvorde 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Bart Nys
- INCC-NICC, Chaussée de Vilvorde 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium
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Tandem detection of organic and inorganic gunshot residues using LC–MS and SEM-EDS. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110389. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Simultaneous determination of lead and antimony in gunshot residue using a 3D-printed platform working as sampler and sensor. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1130:126-136. [PMID: 32892932 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
3D-printing is an emerging technique that enables the fast prototyping of multiple-use devices. Herein we report the fabrication of a 3D-printed graphene/polylactic acid (G-PLA) conductive electrode that works as a sampler and a voltammetric sensor of metals in gunshot residue (GSR) using a commercially-available G/-PLA filament. The 3D-printed surface was used as swab to collect GSR and next submitted to a square-wave voltammetric scan for the simultaneous detection of Pb2+ and Sb3+. The proposed sensor presented excellent analytical performance, with limit of detection values of 0.5 and 1.8 μg L-1 to Pb2+ and Sb3+, respectively, and linear ranges between 50 and 1500 μg L-1. Sampling was performed through the direct contact of G-PLA electrode in hands and clothes of shooters, followed by immersion in the electrochemical cell in the presence of supporting electrolyte for the SWASV scan. The proposed method showed a great performance in the recovery, identification and semi-quantification of Pb2+ and Sb3+ in the evaluated samples without the need for sample preparation. Moreover, the device can be reused as sampler and sensor (until three times without loss of electrochemical performance) and the fabrication is reproducible (RSD = 7%, for three different devices). Hence, this 3D-printed material is an excellent candidate for the analysis of GSR, an indispensable analysis in the forensic field.
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Klapec DJ, Czarnopys G, Pannuto J. Interpol review of detection and characterization of explosives and explosives residues 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:670-700. [PMID: 33385149 PMCID: PMC7770463 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature for the analysis and detection of explosives and explosives residues from 2016-2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/Resources/Documents#Publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J. Klapec
- United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Forensic Science Laboratory, 6000 Ammendale Road, Ammendale, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Greg Czarnopys
- United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Forensic Science Laboratory, 6000 Ammendale Road, Ammendale, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Julie Pannuto
- United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Forensic Science Laboratory, 6000 Ammendale Road, Ammendale, MD, 20705, USA
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Redouté Minzière V, Werner D, Schneider D, Manganelli M, Jung B, Weyermann C, Gassner A. Combined Collection and Analysis of Inorganic and Organic Gunshot Residues. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1102-1113. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Denis Werner
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles University of Lausanne Bâtiment Batochime 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Daniela Schneider
- Forensic Science Laboratory Kantonspolizei Aargau Tellistrasse 85 5000 Aarau Switzerland
| | - Manuela Manganelli
- Forensic Science Laboratory Kantonspolizei Aargau Tellistrasse 85 5000 Aarau Switzerland
| | - Balthasar Jung
- Forensic Science Laboratory Kantonspolizei Aargau Tellistrasse 85 5000 Aarau Switzerland
| | - Céline Weyermann
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles University of Lausanne Bâtiment Batochime 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Anne‐Laure Gassner
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles University of Lausanne Bâtiment Batochime 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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Abstract
Primers are used to reliably initiate a secondary explosive in a wide range of industrial and defence applications. However, established primer technologies pose both direct and indirect risks to health and safety. This review analyses a new generation of primer materials and ignition control mechanisms that have been developed to address these risks in firearms. Electrically or optically initiated metal, oxide and semiconductor-based devices show promise as alternatives for heavy metal percussive primers. The prospects for wider use of low-cost, safe, reliable and non-toxic primers are discussed in view of these developments.
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An investigation on the secondary transfer of organic gunshot residues. Sci Justice 2019; 59:248-255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Mistek E, Fikiet MA, Khandasammy SR, Lednev IK. Toward Locard's Exchange Principle: Recent Developments in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis. Anal Chem 2018; 91:637-654. [PMID: 30404441 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Mistek
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Marisia A Fikiet
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Shelby R Khandasammy
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Igor K Lednev
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
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12
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A forensic investigation on the persistence of organic gunshot residues. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 292:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Fedick PW, Bain RM. Swab touch spray mass spectrometry for rapid analysis of organic gunshot residue from human hand and various surfaces using commercial and fieldable mass spectrometry systems. Forensic Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Brożek-Mucha Z. Trends in analysis of gunshot residue for forensic purposes. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:5803-5811. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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