Gunshot residue detection in stagnant water: SEM-EDX or ICP-MS? A preliminary study.
GSR
ICP-MS
SEM-EDX
gunshot wounds
retention of GSR
stagnant water
washing events
Journal
Journal of forensic sciences
ISSN: 1556-4029
Titre abrégé: J Forensic Sci
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 0375370
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Jul 2021
Jul 2021
Historique:
revised:
19
03
2021
received:
04
12
2020
accepted:
19
03
2021
pubmed:
3
5
2021
medline:
3
5
2021
entrez:
2
5
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
The identification of gunshot residue (GSR) on wounds enables the differentiation of entry and exit wounds. Unfortunately, studies analyzing GSR on degraded bodies have been poorly documented, and no data exist regarding GSR detection after stagnant water immersion. The aim of this preliminary experimental study was to detect GSR on wounds altered in stagnant water, using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X (SEM-EDX) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Shots were performed on sheep limbs with a 22LR at a distance of 20 cm. The limbs were then submerged in stagnant water and analyzed on days 0, 6, and 14. SEM-EDX was performed on previously dehydrated wounds. For ICP-MS analysis, the wounds were rubbed with a cotton swab that was then analyzed. In the SEM studies, a higher number of particles were detected in entry wounds compared to exit wounds under every set of experimental conditions. Unfortunately, SEM-EDX failed to detect GSR particles, even on day 0. ICP-MS enabled the detection of Pb, Sb, and Ba at every stage with higher quantities on entry than in exit. These elements remained detectable following limb immersion. ICP-MS enabled differentiate entry from exit wounds, even after immersion in stagnant water. Nevertheless, when manually swabbing the wounds, quantities of matter collected is highly variable. ICP-MS is a more suitable technique than SEM-EDX for GSR identification of wounds after decomposition in stagnant water; however, standardization is needed.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33934339
doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.14720
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
1267-1275Informations de copyright
© 2021 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
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