Automated Texture Recognition of Quartz Sand Grains for Forensic Applications*

Newell, Andrew J.; Morgan, Ruth M.; Griffin, Lewis D.; Bull, P.A.; Marshall, John R.; Graham, G. A.

doi:10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02126.x

Cited by 13 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…To complement this study into the discriminatory value of the organic components of the soil, analysis of the inorganic fraction of the samples was also undertaken. Quartz grains are highly persistent and abundant in soil samples and analysis of quartz grain surface texture by SEM can be used to reconstruct the geological history of the quartz grains present in soils and sediments 41 . The technique has previously been demonstrated to be highly informative in the investigation of the provenance of geoforensic samples 18,42 and offers a number of advantages in forensic investigations since it requires very small quantities and a simple and non-destructive sample preparation, which aids the interpretation of data derived from samples comprising mixtures of material from different provenances 16 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a valuable tool for geoforensic soil analysis

McCulloch¹,

Morgan²,

Bull

2016

Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences

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A key issue for geoforensic analysis is the ability to discriminate between geographical locations of close proximity, often with similar underlying geology. This paper addresses the lack of empirical research into the non-mineral components of sediment samples and presents the development of a method of sediment sample characterisation by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) utilising the organic components of the sample. A sample preparation method and set of instrument parameters were developed such that the cost of the analysis could be reduced, efficiency increased and the sample amount required for analysis reduced fourfold. The re-developed method allows samples collected from different locations within the same forensically relevant site to be accurately discriminated in this study by both visual examination of the chromatography and the use of multivariate statistics. The results of the HPLC analysis were compared with those obtained by quartz grain surface texture analysis, and HPLC was found to offer better discrimination between the samples in this instance. The results of this study suggest that HPLC has the potential to offer an accurate and practical method of comparing soil samples based on characteristics that are independent of, and therefore complementary to, traditional mineralogical-based geoforensic analyses.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a valuable tool for geoforensic soil analysis

McCulloch¹,

Morgan²,

Bull

2016

Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…A wide variety of methods have been used for the sample analysis, including inorganic (e.g. Newell et al, 2012), organic, diatoms (Cameron, 2004) or a combination approach (Dawson and Hillier, 2012;Pye et al, 2005;Pye, 2007;Ritz et al, 2009), with ongoing improvements being developed all the time (e.g. Ruffell and Sandiford, 2006).…”

Section: Trace Evidencementioning

confidence: 99%

A proposal for a White Paper on Geoethics in Forensic Geology

Dawson

Maggio

McKinley

et al. 2021

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This paper outlines the construction of a White Paper on Geoethics in Forensic Geology. It focuses on forensic geology, although it also relates to the wider sphere of the forensic geosciences. Forensic geology is rapidly evolving to provide assistance in police investigations and in criminal and civil courts with providing scientific advice and evidence, but there also should be associated clear guidelines to benefit both the practitioner and the justice system. Examples of where forensic geology delivers to society in a vital way are required and also where potential malpractice could happen. The paper discusses where forensic geology should pursue social justice in compliance with current legal systems. In order to achieve this goal, it outlines the main areas that we suggest should be developed within the discipline: the competence of the scientist in forensic geology; the creation of best practice guidelines; the establishing of clear duties of the expert in forensic geology; and consideration of ethical aspects in forensic geological activities and ethical aspects in communicating geoscience evidence. When developing geoethics within forensic geology, the following practices were identified as of prime importance: improved standardization of methods; the use of appropriate methods and/or combination of complementary methods; greater clarity of approach used for the location of areas of interest; collection and recovery of evidence; scene examination and sample collection evaluation of data; construction and appropriate use of databases, background information, documentation, cartography and communication of forensic data; and summary of evidence and acknowledgement and consideration of uncertainty and bias. Honesty, integrity, respect, transparency, competence and reliability are vital for the forensic geoscientist to adhere to. Raising the ethical profile of the forensic geoscience profession aims to pave the way for forensic geoscientists to be empowered now and into the future to serve society: acting responsibly and adopting effective ethical codes is vitally important for a safe society. This paper highlights the necessity to hold urgent discussions on the ethical and social implications of forensic geology and their potential repercussions on societal justice. Forensic geology is a very useful tool, but like any other tool in human hands, it presupposes responsibility in its application. Professionalism and honesty in forensic geology are fundamental to assure the public that geoscientists involved have the highest scientific respectability, social credibility and community respect for their role to help pursue judicial truth. The aim of this draft White Paper is to stimulate an open and informed debate on geoethics.

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“…A growing area of research is directed towards improving the range and efficiency of those techniques available for the analysis of geoforensic evidence types. Recent studies have focused upon the development of automated scanning techniques for the rapid identification and quantification of the minerals or quartz grains in a soil sample (Pirrie et al 2009;Newell et al 2012); as well as the use of biogeochemical and genetic techniques, testing the extracted eDNA or rRNA from a homogenized soil or microbial profile (Young et al 2015(Young et al , 2016.…”

Section: The Scope Of Forensic Geosciencementioning

confidence: 99%

The Value of an Empirical Approach for the Assessment of Diatoms as Environmental Trace Evidence in Forensic Limnology

Scott

Morgan

Jones

et al. 2017

AEFS

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Environmental trace evidence is often encountered during a forensic investigation and is acknowledged to have the potential to contribute valuable circumstantial information pertaining to the context of an individual criminal event. Although traditional study has focused upon the analysis of terrestrial soil and sediment traces, there is growing potential for the forensic assessment of aquatic crime scenes, particularly those within freshwater environments. This paper outlines the current applications of limnology, particularly algae and diatom analysis, within forensic science and introduces new and ongoing research within the field. Two empirical studies are presented which highlight the importance of developing evidence bases within freshwater trace evidence analysis. These studies demonstrate the analytical capability of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) at various stages of an investigation: in the initial screening and collection of an evidential sample from clothing (1); and in the analysis of preserved diatoms following various levels of their exposure to fire damage (2). The results highlight that the SEM provides a valuable tool during the initial stages of an investigation, determining the presence and abundance of a range of environmental indicators and directing further strategy for the more in-depth collection and analysis of a forensic sample. Furthermore, the preservation of diatoms adhering to clothing following prolonged exposure to fire, indicates that efforts to collect any destroyed evidence are worthwhile given the potential to recover freshwater traces over extended time scales. Finally, the value of adopting an empirical approach for the development of a forensically relevant evidence base within forensic limnology, and the importance of having an appreciation of the legal implications for the interpretation and admissibility of freshwater evidence is presented.

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Automated Texture Recognition of Quartz Sand Grains for Forensic Applications*

Cited by 13 publications

References 20 publications

High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a valuable tool for geoforensic soil analysis

High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a valuable tool for geoforensic soil analysis

A proposal for a White Paper on Geoethics in Forensic Geology

The Value of an Empirical Approach for the Assessment of Diatoms as Environmental Trace Evidence in Forensic Limnology

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