Complexity of scientific evidence in environmental forensic investigations

Abstract

Purpose – Environmental forensic investigations rely on the collection, analysis and interpretation of evidence from an environmental scene to assist in identifying the party responsible for the introduction of exogenous material. These investigations also try to elucidate if the environment and/or human health have been affected. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Environmental forensic investigations are considered a sub-category of the forensic sciences. The potential scientific evidence is subjected to the same rigour as for other forensic science disciplines, including quality control, accreditation, chain of custody and evidence integrity. The manner in which evidence is analysed and interpreted is also similar. Even though strong similarities can be drawn between environmental forensic investigations and the general forensic sciences, some important differences need to be understood. Findings – Environmental forensic investigations can be more complex than they first appear and identifying, analysing and interpreting scientific evidence is not always straightforward. It is crucial in the comprehension of the complexities of the environmental forensic discipline to understand the intricacies of the investigations, including the limited sample numbers, complex matrices, wide range of exogenous materials encountered, often large size of the scene, changes to the scene and, above all, the potential for degradation or transformation of evidence. In addition, scientific evidence is frequently used to gather intelligence rather than to provide knowledge that can be brought forward to determine guilt or innocence of an accused party. Originality/value – This paper explores the complexities of the discipline and discusses the difficulties that are encountered during environmental investigations.

The evolution of environmental forensics: From laboratory to field analysis

“…Such equipment is ideally suited for fast intelligence gathering in the field (Kalnicky & Singhvi, 2001;Lam et al, 2018), and this equipment has its most valuable application in emergency scenarios, where rapid identification of often unknown contaminants is required (Galuszka et al, 2015;Hook, Kimm, Hall, & Smith, 2002;Kaljurand, 2014;Mulligan et al, 2006;Valcárcel & Cárdenas, 2005). Without field-portable equipment, emergency response is highly reliant on the site investigator's capabilities and their visual interpretation of the scene (Spikmans, 2015). Field-portable equipment is therefore deployed to provide intelligence that can shape and inform emergency response activities (Ashley, 2003;Kaljurand, 2014;Kalnicky & Singhvi, 2001;Kloosterman et al, 2015;Marguí, Hidalgo, Queralt, Van Meel, & Fontàs, 2012;Turl & Wood, 2008;Valcárcel & Cárdenas, 2005).…”

Rapid on-site identification of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes using person-portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)–part 2: water sampling and analysis

“…Environmental monitoring of hazardous substances involves the detection and identification of extraneous materials present in environmental matrices and can be achieved through the sampling and analysis of air, water and soil [ 6 , 7 ]. In addition to the protection of human and environmental health, environmental forensic investigations must also determine the source of the pollutant in order to determine criminal and/or civil liability for the assignment of clean-up costs [ 8 ].…”

Rapid on-site identification of hazardous organic compounds at fire scenes using person-portable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)—part 1: air sampling and analysis

“…For these agencies to effectively perform their duties, it is imperative that accurate, contemporaneous intelligence is acquired and communicated [ 4 ]. This includes identifying the hazardous materials released, the source of the release, and the risks that they pose to human and environmental health [ 6 ]. Intelligence of this nature can be gathered through the sampling and analysis of environmental samples [ 7 ].…”

“…The provision of timely analytical data and advice to environmental protection agencies for informed risk assessment is crucial to ensure rapid and targeted risk minimisation and management responses [ 6 ]. Analytical data and advice are currently obtained via the laboratory analysis of samples collected from the incident site.…”

“…Some instances such as slow-releasing pollutants or stationary hazards, where time is not a critical factor, may be managed appropriately through environmental sampling and analysis using traditional laboratory-based instrumentation. On the other hand, there are many emergency scenarios—where the hazards are dynamic, transient and widespread—that trigger the need for an immediate and rapid assessment of the scene [ 6 ]. The demand for timely scientific intelligence in these cases can be realised through the on-site use of person-portable instrumentation.…”