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Gallidabino MD, Bylenga K, Elliott S, Irlam RC, Weyermann C. Comparison of four commercial solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) fibres for the headspace characterisation and profiling of gunshot exhausts in spent cartridge casings. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:4987-4998. [PMID: 35608670 PMCID: PMC9234032 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) is a promising technique for the characterisation and profiling of gunshot exhausts in spent cartridge casings, especially for health and environmental risk assessments, as well as forensic purposes. To date, however, no comprehensive investigation has been carried out to objectively assess the kinds of compound released during a discharge that can be recovered by this approach, the selectivity of the main commercially available fibres, and their relative performances for the analysis of gunshot exhausts and the discrimination of different ammunition types. This study aimed to fill this gap. Gunshot exhausts in spent cartridge casings from four different ammunition types were analysed by GC–MS, after extraction with four different commercial fibres: 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), 85 μm polyacrylate (PA), 65 μm polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (DVB), and 85 μm carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR). Results showed that, overall, a total of 120 analytes could be observed across the cartridges, but the different tested fibres also displayed distinct performances, which were, to some extent, complementary for the characterisation of gunshot exhausts. DVB, in particular, recovered the most compounds simultaneously. On the other hand, the observed variability between measurements was also high, making it a poor candidate for (semi-)quantitative applications (e.g. estimation of time since discharge and/or source profiling). In this regard, PA demonstrated the highest potential for broad use and implementation in multi-purpose methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo D Gallidabino
- Centre for Forensic Science, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Kelsey Bylenga
- King's Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK.,National Forensic Laboratory Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 14200 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, V3T 6P3, Canada
| | - Stephanie Elliott
- King's Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Rachel C Irlam
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Céline Weyermann
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Faculté de Droit, des Sciences Criminelles et d'Administration Publique, Université de Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
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van den Hurk RS, Abdulhussain N, van Beurden AS, Dekker ME, Hulsbergen A, Peters RA, Pirok BW, van Asten AC. Characterization and comparison of smokeless powders by on-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1672:463072. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Correlation and analysis of smokeless powder, smokeless powder residues, and lab generated pyrolysis products via GC–MS. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Gallidabino MD, Barron LP, Weyermann C, Romolo FS. Quantitative profile-profile relationship (QPPR) modelling: a novel machine learning approach to predict and associate chemical characteristics of unspent ammunition from gunshot residue (GSR). Analyst 2019; 144:1128-1139. [PMID: 30474092 DOI: 10.1039/c8an01841c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Evidence association in forensic cases involving gunshot residue (GSR) remains very challenging. Herein, a new in silico approach, called quantitative profile-profile relationship (QPPR) modelling, is reported. This is based on the application of modern machine learning techniques to predict the pre-discharge chemical profiles of selected ammunition components from those of the respective post-discharge GSR. The obtained profiles can then be compared with one another and/or with other measured profiles to make evidential links during forensic investigations. In particular, the approach was optimised and successfully tested for the prediction of GC-MS profiles of smokeless powders (SLPs) from organic GSR in spent cases, for nine ammunition types. Results showed a high degree of similarity between predicted and experimentally measured profiles, after adequate combination and evaluation of fourteen machine learning techniques (median correlation of 0.982). Areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.976 and 0.824 were observed after receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the results obtained in the comparisons between predicted-predicted and predicted-measured profiles, respectively, in the specific case that the ammunition types of interest were excluded from the training dataset (i.e., extrapolation). Furthermore, AUCs of 0.962 and 0.894 were observed in interpolation mode. These values were close to those of the comparison of the measured SLP profiles between themselves (AUC = 0.998), demonstrating excellent potential to correctly associate evidence in a number of different forensic scenarios. This work represents the first time that a quantitative approach has successfully been applied to associate a GSR to a specific ammunition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo D Gallidabino
- Centre for Forensic Science, Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University Newcastle, Ellison Building, NE1 8ST Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
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Lennert E, Bridge C. Analysis and classification of smokeless powders by GC–MS and DART-TOFMS. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 292:11-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Goudsmits E, Sharples GP, Birkett JW. Preliminary classification of characteristic organic gunshot residue compounds. Sci Justice 2016; 56:421-425. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Gassner AL, Ribeiro C, Kobylinska J, Zeichner A, Weyermann C. Organic gunshot residues: Observations about sampling and transfer mechanisms. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 266:369-378. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Gallidabino M, Romolo FS, Bylenga K, Weyermann C. Development of a Novel Headspace Sorptive Extraction Method To Study the Aging of Volatile Compounds in Spent Handgun Cartridges. Anal Chem 2014; 86:4471-8. [DOI: 10.1021/ac5004568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Gallidabino
- Université de Lausanne, École des Sciences Criminelles,
Institut de Police Scientifique, Bâtiment Batochime, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - F. S. Romolo
- Université de Lausanne, École des Sciences Criminelles,
Institut de Police Scientifique, Bâtiment Batochime, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
- SAPIENZA Università di Roma, Department SAIMLAL, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - K. Bylenga
- Université de Lausanne, École des Sciences Criminelles,
Institut de Police Scientifique, Bâtiment Batochime, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
- King’s College London, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Forensic Science & Drug Monitoring, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - C. Weyermann
- Université de Lausanne, École des Sciences Criminelles,
Institut de Police Scientifique, Bâtiment Batochime, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
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Chang KH, Jayaprakash PT, Yew CH, Abdullah AFL. Gunshot residue analysis and its evidential values: a review. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2012.691546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Ali EMA, Edwards HGM, Scowen IJ. Rapid in situ detection of street samples of drugs of abuse on textile substrates using microRaman spectroscopy. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2011; 80:2-7. [PMID: 21144797 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Trace amounts of street samples of cocaine hydrochloride and N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine (MDMA) on natural and synthetic textiles were successfully detected in situ using confocal Raman microscopy. The presence of some excipient bands in the spectra of the drugs did not prevent the unambiguous identification of the drugs. Raman spectra of the drugs were readily obtained without significant interference from the fibre substrates. Interfering bands arising from the fibre natural or synthetic polymer structure and/or dye molecules did not overlap with the characteristic Raman bands of the drugs. If needed, interfering bands could be successfully removed by spectral subtraction. Also, Raman spectra could be acquired from drug particles trapped between the fibres of highly fluorescent textile specimens. The total acquisition time of the spectra of the drug particles was 90 s accomplished non-destructively and without detachment from their substrates. Sample preparation was not required and spectra of the drugs could be obtained non-invasively preserving the integrity of the evidential material for further analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esam M A Ali
- Division of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
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Sharma S, Lahiri S. A preliminary investigation into the use of FTIR microscopy as a probe for the identification of bullet entrance holes and the distance of firing. Sci Justice 2009; 49:197-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2008.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Andrasko J. Some Examples of Applications of a Microthermal Desorption Device in the Forensic Laboratory. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54:1055-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01104.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Scherperel G, Reid GE, Waddell Smith R. Characterization of smokeless powders using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nESI-MS). Anal Bioanal Chem 2009; 394:2019-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-009-2689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2008] [Revised: 02/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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In-situ detection of drugs-of-abuse on clothing using confocal Raman microscopy. Anal Chim Acta 2008; 615:63-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2008.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Revised: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Zeichner A, Ehrlich S, Shoshani E, Halicz L. Application of lead isotope analysis in shooting incident investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2006; 158:52-64. [PMID: 15967612 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2005.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2004] [Revised: 01/27/2005] [Accepted: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to examine the potential of the considerable variability of the lead isotope compositions in bullets (projectiles) and primers in shooting incident investigations. Multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS) was used to analyze lead isotopic compositions in projectiles, cartridge cases, firearms discharge residues (FDR) in barrels of firearms and in the gunshot entries. .22 caliber plain lead and plated ammunition and 9 mm Luger full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition were employed in shooting experiments using semiautomatic pistols. Cotton cloth served as the target material and two firing distances were tested; 1 cm (near contact) and 2 m distances. It was observed that various mechanical or chemical means of cleaning do not completely remove lead deposits ("lead memory") from barrels of firearms. Nonetheless, it was shown that analysis of lead isotopic composition may provide valuable evidence in investigating specific scenarios of shooting incidents. For instance in a shoot-out where several firearms and ammunition brands are involved, it may be feasible to point out which ammunition and/or firearm caused a particular gunshot entry if the ammunition brands involved (bullets and primers) differ considerably in their lead isotopic composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie Zeichner
- Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police National Headquarters, Jerusalem 91906, Israel.
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Abstract
A protocol is presented for the collection and analysis of gunshot residues (GSR) from hair. A fine-toothed comb is used for collection of the residues. A small zip-closure bag serves as a container for both sample storage and extraction of the characteristic organic powder additives. The success of this residue recovery approach was tested on simulated shooters and victims using mannequin-supported human wig hair as well as on human shooters. Residues were collected from four weapons: a revolver and semi-automatic pistol, rifle and shotgun. One characteristic additive, nitroglycerin, was detected by capillary electrophoresis (CE) in the majority of the collection experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A MacCrehan
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
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Wu Z, Hendrickson CL, Rodgers RP, Marshall AG. Composition of explosives by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Anal Chem 2002; 74:1879-83. [PMID: 11985321 DOI: 10.1021/ac011071z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Commercial explosives are complex mixtures that contain not only the active explosive agent(s) but also a host of other organic and inorganic compounds. The ultrahigh mass resolving power (m/delta m50% >200,000) and mass accuracy (<1 ppm) of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI FTICR) mass spectrometry allow for definitive identification of various species in TNT, RDX, and HMX. We are thereby able to correct prior misassignments of the elemental compositions of the most abundant negative ions from electrospray of RDX and HMX. Although the (known) active agents of many explosives may be identified by low-resolution MS or MS/MS, it is the other characteristic components (indigenous or artificial additives) whose presence and elemental composition can potentially identify the source of the product. ESI FTICR mass spectrometry of smokeless powder, TNT, and Powermite resolves and identifies numerous nonactive ingredients, many of which are recovered in a postblast residue. In contrast, the residue recovered from an explosion of military C4 yielded several species derived from RDX but virtually none from other ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Wu
- Ion Cyclotron Resonance Program, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee 32310, USA
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Associating Gunpowder and Residues from Commercial Ammunition Using Compositional Analysis. J Forensic Sci 2002. [DOI: 10.1520/jfs15242j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Developing a Quantitative Extraction Technique for Determining the Organic Additives in Smokeless Handgun Powder. J Forensic Sci 2001. [DOI: 10.1520/jfs15051j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Investigating the Effect of Changing Ammunition on the Composition of Organic Additives in Gunshot Residue (OGSR). J Forensic Sci 2001. [DOI: 10.1520/jfs14911j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Comparing the Additive Composition of Smokeless Gunpowder and Its Handgun-fired Residues. J Forensic Sci 2000. [DOI: 10.1520/jfs14871j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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