Skip to main content

Forensic Analytics

  • Chapter
Handbook of Trace Analysis

Abstract

Analysis of various materials for forensic purposes is known as trace analysis. The problem in this field tends not to be the small quantity (concentration) of the analyte in question, but rather the small quantity of material (forming the criminalistic trace at the scene of the crime or incident) that is available for examination. Its mass is often on the order of milligrams or micrograms. This trace amount of disclosed material (e.g. skin fragments, individual fibres, dust, pieces of glass and plastic, soil particles or droplets of blood) constitutes a valuable source of information about the event and persons taking part in it. Disclosure and appropriate securing of material from the scene of the incident is thus crucial for carrying out examinations correctly in the criminalistic laboratory and for explaining the circumstances of the crime.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

References to Sect. 11.1

  1. Wójcikiewicz, J. (ed.): Forensic Ekspertise. Wolters Kluwer Polska (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Hunt, R.W.G., Pointer, M.R.: Measuring Colour. Wiley, Chichester (2011)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  3. Caddy, B. (ed.): Forensic Examination of Glass and Paint. Taylor & Francis, London (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Zięba-Palus, J., Trzcińska, B., Kościelniak, P.: Comparative analysis of car paint traces in terms of color by Vis microspectrometry for forensic needs. Anal. Lett. 43(3), 436–445 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Trzcińska, B., Zięba-Palus, J., Kościelniak, P.: Application of microspectrometry in visible range to differentiation of car solid paints for forensic purposes. J. Mol. Struct. 924–926, 393–399 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Milczarek, J., Dziadosz, M., Zięba-Palus, J.: Way to distinguish car paint traces based on epoxy layers analysis by pyrolysis – gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Chemia Analityczna 54, 173–185 (2009)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Milczarek, J., Zięba-Palus, J.: Examination of spray paints on plasters by the use of pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for forensic purposes. J. Anal. Appl. Pyrol. 86, 252–259 (2009)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Zięba-Palus, J., Zadora, G., Milczarek, J.: Differentiation and evaluation of evidence value of styrene acrylic urethane topcoat car paints analysed by pyrolysis gas chromatography. J. Chromatogr. A 1179, 47–58 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Zięba-Palus, J., Borusiewicz, R., Kunicki, M.: PRAXIS – combined μ-Raman and μ-XRF spectrometers in the examination of forensic samples. Forensic Sci. Int. 175, 1–7 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Zięba-Palus, J., Michalska, A., Wesełucha-Birczyńska, A.: Characterisation of paint samples by infrared and Raman spectroscopy for criminalistic purposes. J. Mol. Struct. 993, 134–141 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Pawluk-Kołc, M., Zięba-Palus, J., Zadora, G.: Differentiation of glass fragments on the basis of refractive index values determined by the thermoimmersion method. Application in criminalistics. Probl. Forensic Sci. 56, 48–64 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Pawluk-Kołc, M., Zięba-Palus, J., Parczewski, A.: The effect of annealing on the distribution of refractive index in windscreen and windowpane. Forensic Sci. Int. 174, 222–228 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Zadora, G.: The role of statistical methods in assessing the evidential value of physico-chemical data. Probl. Forensic Sci. 65, 91–103 (2006)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Zadora, G.: Classification of glass fragments based on elemental composition and refractive index. J. Forensic Sci. 54, 49–59 (2009)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Wąs-Gubała, J.: Selected aspects of forensic examination of textile traces. Fibres Text. East. Eur. 17(4), 26–29 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Wąs-Gubała, J., Machnowski, W.: Application of Raman spectroscopy for differentiation among cotton and viscose fibers dyed with several dye classes. Spectrosc. Lett. 47(7), 527–535 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Brożek-Mucha, Z.: Comparison of cartridge case and airborne GSR – a study of their elemental contents and morphology by means of SEM EDX. X-Ray Spectrom. 36, 398–407 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Brożek-Mucha, Z.: On the prevalence of gunshot residue in selected populations – an empirical study performed with SEM-EDX analysis. Forensic Sci. Int. 237, 46–52 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Lopez-Lopez, M., Delgado, J.J., Garcia-Ruiz, C.: Ammunition identification by means of the organic analysis of gunshot residues using Raman spectroscopy. Anal. Chem. 84, 3581–3585 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Bueno, J., Sikirzhytski, V., Lednev, I.K.: Attenuated total reflectance-FT-IR spectroscopy for gunshot residue analysis: potential for ammunition determination. Anal. Chem. 85, 7287–7294 (2013)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Brożek-Mucha, Z.: Chemical and morphological study of gunshot residue persisting on the shooter by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Microsc. Microanal. 17, 972–982 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Borusiewicz, R., Zadora, G., Zięba-Palus, J.: Application of head-space analysis with passive adsorption for forensic purposes in the automated thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system. Chromatographia 60, 133–142 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Borusiewicz, R., Zięba-Palus, J.: A comparison of effectiveness of Tenax TA and Carbotrap 300 in concentration of flammable liquids compounds. J. Forensic Sci. 52(1), 70–74 (2007)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Fabiańska, E., Trzcińska, B.: Differentiation of ballpoint and liquid inks a comparison method in use. Probl. Forensic Sci. 66, 383–400 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Zięba-Palus, J., Kunicki, M.: Application of microinfrared and Raman spectrometry in examination of inks. Forensic Sci. Int. 158, 164–172 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Trzcińska, B.M.: Analysis of writing inks in changed documents. A preliminary study with TLC. Chem. Anal. 46, 507–513 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Trzcińska, B.M.: Analytical differentiation of black powder toners of similar polymer composition for criminalistic purposes. Chem. Anal. 51, 147–157 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

References to Sect. 11.2

  1. Moffat, A.C., Osselton, M.D., Widdop, B., Watts, J. (eds.): Clarke’s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, 4th edn. Pharmaceutical Press, London (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Baselt, R.C.: Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 10th edn. Biomedical Publications, Seal Beach (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Kała, M.: Substancje powodujące uzależnienie w praktyce Instytutu Ekspertyz Sądowych w Krakowie. Przegl. Lek. 54, 430–437 (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Kała, M.: Scena narkotykowa w Polsce z punktu widzenia toksykologa sądowego. Przegl. Lek. 67, 594–597 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Janowska, E., Chudzikiewicz, E., Lechowicz, W.: Ephedrone – new street drug obtained from Proasthmin. Probl. Forensic Sci. 39, 44–53 (1999)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Zuba, D.: Medicines containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as a source of methcathinone. Probl. Forensic Sci. 71, 323–333 (2007)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. www. emcdda.eu.int, Intoxications with cocaine adulterated with atropine in four EU Member States. Information from the EMCDDA and REITOX Early Warning System (Nov./Dec. 2004 – Feb. 2005)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Stanaszek, R., Zuba, D.: A comparison of developed and validated chromatographic methods (HPLC, GC MS) for determination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (δ9-THC) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (δ9-THCA-A) in hemp. Probl. Forensic Sci. 71, 313–322 (2007)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Zuba, D., Byrska, B., Maciów, M.: Comparison of ‘herbal highs’ composition. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 400, 119–126 (2011)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Byrska, B., Zuba, D., Stanaszek, R.: Determination of piperazine derivatives in ‘legal highs’. Probl. Forensic Sci. 81, 101–113 (2010)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Stanaszek, R., Zuba, D.: 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) – a new designer drug that is still a legal substance. Probl. Forensic Sci. 66, 220–228 (2006)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Zuba, D., Byrska, B., Pytka, P., Sekuła, K., Stanaszek, R.: Widma masowe składników aktywnych preparatów typu dopalacze. Wydawnictwo Instytutu Ekspertyz Sądowych, Kraków (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Adamowicz, P., Kała, M.: Date-rape drugs scene in Poland. Przegl. Lek. 62, 572–575 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Adamowicz, P., Kała, M.: Screening for drug-facilitated sexual assault by means of liquid chromatography coupled to atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation–mass spectrometry (LC APCI MS). Probl. Forensic Sci. 76, 403–411 (2008)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Kała, M.: Środki działające podobnie do alkoholu w organizmie kierowcy. Paragraf na drodze 11, 41–68 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Byrska, B., Zuba, D.: Profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 390, 715–722 (2008)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Kała, M., Chudzikiewicz, E.: The influence of post-mortem changes in biological material on interpretation of toxicological analysis results. Probl. Forensic Sci. 54, 32–59 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Kasprzak, K., Adamowicz, P., Kała, M.: Determination of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with positive chemical ionisation (PCI GC MS). Probl. Forensic Sci. 67, 289–300 (2006)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX): Standard practices for method validation in forensic toxicology. J. Anal. Toxicol. 37, 452–474 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Maurer, H.H.: Hyphenated mass spectrometric techniques – indispensable tools in clinical and forensic toxicology and in doping control. J. Mass Spectrom. 41, 1399–1413 (2006)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Chudzikiewicz, E., Adamowicz, P., Kała, M., Lechowicz, W., Pufal, E., Sykutera, M., Śliwka, K.: Possibilities of using saliva for testing drivers for estazolam, doxepin and promazine. Probl. Forensic Sci. 57, 166–177 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Gunn, J., Shelly, C., Lewis, S.W., Toop, T., Archer, M.: The determination of morphine in the larvae of Calliphora stygia using flow injection analysis and HPLC with chemiluminescence detection. J. Anal. Toxicol. 30, 519–523 (2006)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Kintz, P., Godelar, B., Tracqui, A., Mangin, P., Lugnier, A.A., Chaumont, A.J.: Fly larvae: a new toxicological method of investigation in forensic medicine. J. Forensic Sci. 35, 204–207 (1990)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. van Wyk, J. M.C., van der Linde, T.C., Hundt, H.K.L.: Determination of ethanol in dipterous maggots on decomposing carcasses. In: Kovatsis, A.V., Tsoukali-Papadopoulou, H. (eds.) Aspect on Forensic Toxicology, The 33rd International Congress on Forensic (TIAFT) and 1st on Environmental Toxicology (Gretox’95), August 27–31, 1995, pp. 439–443. Tecnika Studio, Thessaloniki (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Matoba, K., Terazawa, K.: Estimation of the time of death of decomposed or skeletonised bodies found outdoors in cold season in Sapporo city, located in the northern district of Japan. Leg. Med. 10, 78–82 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Adamowicz, P., Kała, M.: Complex intoxications. Analytical and interpretational problems. Probl. Forensic Sci. 72, 433–449 (2007)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. de Zeeuw, R.A., Franke, J.P., Degel, F., Machbert, G., Schütz, H., Wijsbeek, J.: (eds.): Thin-layer chromatographic R f values of toxicologically relevant substances on standardized systems. Report XVII of the DFG Commission for Clinical–Toxicological Analysis, Special Issue of the TIAFT Bulletin, 2nd edn. VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, Weinheim (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  28. de Zeeuw, R.A., Franke, J.P., Maurer, H.H., Pfleger, K. (eds.): Gas chromatographic retention indices of toxicologically relevant substances on packed or capillary columns with dimethylsilicone stationary phases. Report XVIII of the DFG Commission for Clinical–Toxicological Analysis, Special Issue of the TIAFT Bulletin, 3rd edn. VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, Weinheim (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  29. de Zeeuw, R.A., Franke, J.P., Machata, G., Möller, M., Müller, M.R., Graefe, A., Tiess, D., Pfleger, K., Geldmacher-von Mallinckrodt, M. (eds.): Gas chromatographic retention indices of solvents and other volatile substances for use in toxicological analysis. Report XIX of the DFG Commission for Clinical–Toxicological Analysis, Special Issue of the TIAFT Bulletin. VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, Weinheim (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Pragst, F., Herzler, M., Herre, S., Erxleben, B.T., Rothe, M.: UV-Spectra of Toxic Compounds. Database of Photodiode array UV Spectra of Illegal and Therapeutic Drugs, Pesticides, Ecotoxic Substances and Other Poisons. Dieter Helm, Heppenheim (2001). Book and CD

    Google Scholar 

  31. Herzler, M., Herre, S., Pragst, F.: Selectivity of substance identification by HPLC DAD in toxicological analysis using a UV spectra library of 2682 compounds. J. Anal. Toxicol. 27, 233–242 (2003)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Müller, C.A., Weinmann, W., Dresen, S., Schreiber, A., Gergov, M.: Development of a multi-target screening analysis for 301 drugs using a QTrap liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry system and automated library searching. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 19, 1332–1338 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. http://www.chemicalsoft.de/index-ms.htm

  34. Pfleger, K., Maurer, H., Weber, A.: Mass Spectral and GC Data of Drugs, Poisons, Pesticides, Pollutants and Their Metabolites, 3rd edn. VCH, Weinheim (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Peters, F.T., Schaefer, S., Staack, R.F., Kraemer, T., Maurer, H.H.: Screening for and validated quantification of amphetamines and of amphetamine- and piperazine-derived designer drugs in human blood plasma by gas chromatography/mass spektrometry. J. Mass Spectrom. 38, 659–676 (2003)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Smink, B.E., Mathijssen, M.P., Lusthof, K.J., de Gier, J.J., Egberts, A.C., Uges, D.R.: Comparison of urine and oral fluid as matrices for screening of thirty-three benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like substances using immunoassay and LC MS MS. J. Anal. Toxicol. 30, 478–485 (2006)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Kratzsch, C., Tenberken, O., Peters, F.T., Weber, A., Kraemer, T., Maurer, H.H.: Screening, library-assisted identification and validated quantification of 23 benzodiazepines, flumazenil, zaleplone, zolpidem and zopiclone in plasma by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. J. Mass Spectrom. 39, 856–872 (2004)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Kirchherr, H., Kühn-Velten, W.N.: Quantitative determination of forty-eight antidepressants and antipsychotics in human serum by HPLC tandem mass spectrometry: a multi-level, single-sample approach. J. Chromatogr. B Analyt. Technol. Biomed. Life Sci. 843, 100–113 (2006)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Maurer, H.H., Tenberken, O., Kratzsch, C., Weber, A., Peters, F.T.: Screening for library-assisted identification and fully validated quantification of 22 beta-blockers in blood plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. J. Chromatogr. A 1058, 169–181 (2004)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Adamowicz, P., Kała, M.: Simultaneous screening for and determination of 128 date-rape drugs in urine by gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry. Forensic Sci. Int. 198, 39–45 (2010)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Lechowicz, W., Kała, M., Walker, J., Screening and quantification of the twenty-four drugs in oral fluid relevant for road traffic safety by means of LC MS MS ESI. Proceedings of ICADTS and TIAFT Meeting, Seattle, 26-30.08.2007. http://www.icadts2007.org/print/169screen24drugs.pdf

  42. Beyer, J., Peters, F.T., Kraemer, T., Maurer, H.H.: Detection and validated quantification of nine herbal phenalkylamines and methcathinone in human blood plasma by LC MS MS with electrospray ionization. J. Mass Spectrom. 42, 150–160 (2007)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Habrdová, V., Peters, F.T., Theobald, D.S., Maurer, H.H.: Screening for and validated for quantification of phenethylamine-type designer drugs and mescaline in human blood plasma by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. J. Mass Spectrom. 40, 785–795 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Maurer, H.H., Schmidt, C.J., Weber, A.A., Kraemer, T.: Validated electrospray LC MS assay for determination of the mushroom toxins alpha- and beta-amanitin in urine after immunoaffinity extraction. J. Chromatogr. B Biomed. Sci. Appl. 748, 125–135 (2000)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Gregov, M., Ojanperä, I., Vuori, E.: Simultaneous screening for 238 drugs in blood by liquid chromatography-ion spray tandem mass spectrometry with multiple-reaction monitoring. J. Chromatogr. B Analyt. Technol. Biomed. Life Sci. 795, 41–53 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Alder, L., Greulich, K., Kempe, G., Vieth, B.: Residue analysis of 500 high priority pesticides: better by GC MS or LC MS MS? Mass Spectrom. Rev. 25, 838–865 (2006)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Pang, G.F., Cao, Y.Z., Zhang, J.J., Fan, C.L., Liu, Y.M., Li, X.M., Shi, Y.Q., Wu, Y.P., Guo, T.T.: Validation study 660 pesticide residues in animal tissue by gel permeation chromatography cleanup/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J. Chromatogr. A 1125, 1–30 (2006)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Janina Zięba-Palus or Maria Kała .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Zięba-Palus, J., Kała, M. (2016). Forensic Analytics. In: Baranowska, I. (eds) Handbook of Trace Analysis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19614-5_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics