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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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2
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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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3
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Gassner AL, Weyermann C. Prevalence of organic gunshot residues in police vehicles. Sci Justice 2020; 60:136-144. [PMID: 32111286 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the organic gunshot residue (OGSR) background level of police vehicles in Switzerland. Specimens from 64 vehicles belonging to two regional police services were collected and analysed by LC-MS in positive mode. The driver's and back seats were sampled separately to monitor potential differences between locations and to assess the risks of a suspect being contaminated by OGSR during transportation to a police station. The results showed that most of the 64 vehicles were uncontaminated (44 driver's seats and 38 back seats respectively). Up to six of the seven targeted compounds were detected in a single sample, once on a driver's seat and twice on back seats. The contamination frequency generally decreased as the number of compounds detected together increased. The amounts detected were in the low ng range and less than amounts generally detected just after discharge on a shooter. Our data indicated that detecting a combination of four or more compounds on a police vehicle seat appears to be a relatively rare occurrence. The background contamination observed was most probably due to secondary transfer from police officers (e.g. through recent participation in a shooting session or firearm manipulation) or from firearms stored in the vehicles. The present results might be used as a recommendation to minimize contact of a suspect with contaminated surfaces if OGSR is implemented in routine work in parallel to IGSR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Gassner
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Batochime, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Weyermann
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Batochime, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Manganelli M, Weyermann C, Gassner AL. Surveys of organic gunshot residue prevalence: Comparison between civilian and police populations. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:48-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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5
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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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6
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LC–MS method development and comparison of sampling materials for the analysis of organic gunshot residues. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 264:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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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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8
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Abstract
A comprehensive review of the scientific literature on gunshot residue (GSR) is presented. Aspects of both inorganic and organic GSR are discussed, from formation and distribution, to sample collection, preparation, and analysis using a variety of techniques. The interpretation of GSR results is also considered including issues surrounding the contamination, distribution, and transfer of GSR. Potential problems with ulterior sources of GSR like particles have been reported in the literature. For example, particles from environmental and occupational sources have been highlighted as exhibiting similar chemical and morphological characteristics to GSR. These findings are put into context with regard to interpreting samples. A move toward a "case by case" approach is argued to be more preferable to a "formal" classification system where possible. The analysis of both inorganic and organic compositions of residue samples as well as morphological considerations is considered to be a more ideal approach to GSR analysis, wherever practicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Dalby
- Department of Chemistry and Forensics, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Laza D, Nys B, Kinder JD, Kirsch-De Mesmaeker A, Moucheron C. Development of a Quantitative LC-MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Common Propellant Powder Stabilizers in Gunshot Residue. J Forensic Sci 2007; 52:842-50. [PMID: 17567286 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00490.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In traditional scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis of gunshot residue (GSR), one has to cope more and more frequently with limitations of this technique due to the use of lead-free ammunition or ammunition lacking heavy metals. New methods for the analysis of the organic components of common propellant powder stabilizers were developed based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A multiple reactions monitoring scanning method was created for the screening of akardite II, ethylcentralite, diphenylamine, methylcentralite, N-nitrosodiphenylamine, 2-nitrodiphenylamine, and 4-nitrodiphenylamine, present in standards mixtures. Five out of seven of these target compounds can be selectively identified and distinguished from the two others with a high accuracy. Samples from the hands of a shooter were collected by swabbing and underwent solid phase extraction prior to analysis. Detection limits ranging from 5 to 115 mug injected were achieved. Results from several firing trials show that the LC-MS/MS method is suitable for the detection of stabilizers in samples collected following the firing of 9 mm Para ammunitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désiré Laza
- National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC), Ballistics Section, Chaussée de Vilvorde 98, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
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Cruces-Blanco C, Gámiz–Gracia L, García-Campaña A. Applications of capillary electrophoresis in forensic analytical chemistry. Trends Analyt Chem 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2006.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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13
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Mahoney CM, Gillen G, Fahey AJ. Characterization of gunpowder samples using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Forensic Sci Int 2006; 158:39-51. [PMID: 16005590 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2005.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Revised: 02/17/2005] [Accepted: 02/25/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) was utilized to obtain characteristic mass spectra from three different smokeless powders and six different black powder samples. In these mass spectra, peaks indicative of both the organic and inorganic additive constituents in the gunpowders were observed. TOF-SIMS was able to successfully differentiate between the different black and smokeless gunpowder samples analyzed with the aid of principal components analysis (PCA), a multivariate statistical analysis approach often used to reduce the dimensionality of complex data. TOF-SIMS was also used to obtain information about the spatial distribution of the various additives contained within the gunpowder samples. SIMS imaging demonstrated that that the samples could potentially be characterized by their 2-D structure, which varied from sample to sample. These results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing TOF-SIMS as a tool for the characterization and differentiation of gunpowder samples for general forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Mahoney
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Surface and Microanalysis Science Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8371, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
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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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Brózek-Mucha Z, Zadora G, Dane F. A comparative study of gunshot residue originating from 9 mm Luger ammunition from various producers. Sci Justice 2003; 43:229-35. [PMID: 14714293 DOI: 10.1016/s1355-0306(03)71782-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Following previous work on differentiation between gunshot residue according to the type of ammunition used, a specific investigation was undertaken of traces originating from 9 mm Luger ammunition using SEM-EDX. The aim of this study was to determine whether GSR originating from this type of ammunition is similar, or whether differentiation could be made between particular manufacturers of Luger ammunition. The results were collected in the form of counts of particles in each of seven key elemental classes being combinations of lead, antimony and barium. These were then adjusted to a factor known as frequency of occurrence which allows comparison of the distribution of particles within the classes between samples with differences in absolute particle counts. The relationships between the samples were examined using non-parametric statistical tests: R-Spearman and tau-Kendall rank correlation coefficients. It has been found that most of the studied samples of GSR were similar to each other despite their originating from various manufacturers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Brózek-Mucha
- Institute of Forensic Research, Westerplatte 9, 31-033 Cracow, Poland
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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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Affiliation(s)
- T A Brettell
- Forensic Science Laboratory Bureau, New Jersey State Police, Box 7068, West Trenton, New Jersey 08628-0068, USA
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20
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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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Thormann W, Lurie IS, McCord B, Marti U, Cenni B, Malik N. Advances ofcapillary electrophoresis in clinical and forensic analysis (1999-2000). Electrophoresis 2001; 22:4216-43. [PMID: 11824639 DOI: 10.1002/1522-2683(200111)22:19<4216::aid-elps4216>3.0.co;2-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, capillary electrophoresis in clinical and forensic analysis is reviewed on the basis of the literature of 1999, 2000 and the first papers in 2001. An overview of progress relevant examples for each major field of application, namely (i) analysis of drug seizures, explosives residues, gunshot residues and inks, (ii) monitoring of drugs, endogenous small molecules and ions in biofluids and tissues, (iii) general screening for serum proteins and analysis of specific proteins (carbohydrate deficient transferrin, alpha1-antitrypsin, lipoproteins and hemoglobins) in biological fluids, and (iv) analysis of nucleic acids and oligonucleotides in biological samples, including oligonucleotide therapeutics, are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Thormann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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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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