A review of the literature concerning the fate and behavior of gunshot residue (GSR) is presented. A number of concomitant parameters including firearm and ammunition type, plume and GSR material characteristics, travel distances, chemical composition and GSR morphology are critically discussed in relation to their effects on the distribution and deposition, transfer and persistence processes of GSR. The underlying mechanisms associated with such processes are also considered. Knowledge of these processes on GSR materials could provide valuable information concerning scene preservation and subsequent forensic sampling. The number of GSR particles deposited can vary significantly with each firearm discharge, highlighting the potential to produce distinctive data in each individual case. With the continual development and compositional changes of new ammunition types, further evaluation of the effect these processes may have on GSR evidence and their possible influence on the interpretation of the analytical results should be given due consideration.
The detection and interpretation of gunshot residue (GSR) can play an important role in the investigation of firearm related incidents. Recently, the potential of organic compounds to provide an additional means to discriminate between GSR and environmental particles, in particular in cases where lead-free ammunition is used, has been highlighted. This work describes a method for the extraction and detection of complementary organic and inorganic compounds from a single GSR sample, using a methodology that makes implementation in the current standard procedure feasible. GSR samples were collected from the shooter's hands following double and single discharges, using the traditional adhesive carbon aluminium stubs. Analysis of organic compounds was performed using solidphase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), followed by analysis of the traditional inorganic particles using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Detection of both categorised organic GSR compounds (e.g. ethyl centralite, diphenylamine and 2-nitrodiphenylamine) and characteristic inorganic GSR has been achieved. Given the fact that the detected organic GSR compounds are relevant with respect to the confirmation of GSR materials, this method has successfully demonstrated the ability to obtain a total chemical profile from a single GSR sample, which has the potential to increase the probative value of GSR evidence.
The susceptibility for recreational shooters to transfer gunshot residue (GSR) to both the interior and exterior of a vehicle is investigated. A comprehensive sampling protocol was used to assess the most likely areas of GSR transfer from recreational shooter contact, such as the steering wheel and the area, the firearms were stored (the trunk). Up to 315 characteristic GSR, particles were found in several locations throughout the interior of a vehicle. As many as 876 characteristic particles were found throughout a single vehicle. The data indicate that vehicles frequently occupied by firearms users are a potential source for inadvertent transfer of GSR to persons unrelated to firearm activity. In criminal cases where vehicles have been used, such transfer processes for GSR need to be considered within the context of any case interpretation. The implications for subsequent contamination and transfer processes from such vehicles require further investigation.
The fate and behaviour of gunshot residue: recreational shooter distribution http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/10305/ Article LJMU has developed LJMU Research Online for users to access the research output of the University more effectively. ABSTRACTA review of the literature concerning the fate and behaviour of gunshot residue (GSR) is presented.A number of concomitant parameters including firearm and ammunition type, plume and GSR material characteristics, travel distances, chemical composition and GSR morphology are critically discussed in relation to their effects on the distribution and deposition, transfer and persistence processes of GSR. The underlying mechanisms associated with such processes are also considered.Knowledge of these processes on GSR materials could provide valuable information concerning scene preservation and subsequent forensic sampling. The number of GSR particles deposited can vary significantly with each firearm discharge, highlighting the potential to produce distinctive data in each individual case. With the continual development and compositional changes of new ammunition types, further evaluation of the effect these processes may have on GSR evidence and their possible influence on the interpretation of the analytical results should be given due consideration.
Gunshot residue (GSR) is a chemical cocktail of compounds produced when a firearm is discharged. It is the collective name of the complex mixture of organic and inorganic particles and compounds originating from the firearm, the ammunition, and the combustion products thereof which are produced during the discharge of a firearm.The presence of GSR can be used for the reconstruction of shooting incidents: to estimate firing distances, identify bullet holes,
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