Detection of metal residues on bone using SEM–EDS. Part I: Blunt force injury

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that metal particles remain on bone after sharp force injury or gunshot and that their detection by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) could greatly help in tool identification. However, the presence of metal particles on bone surfaces in the context of blunt force trauma has never been assessed experimentally. For this reason the present paper represents an experimental study of the behaviour of metal residues on bone following blunt force injury. Ten fresh sub-adult bovine metatarsal bones were manually cleaned of soft tissues. They were then struck by metal bars (copper, iron or aluminium) on the external surface of the mid-diaphysis. All blunt metal instruments used in this study left a sign in the form of single particles, a smear or a powder-like deposit on the bone surface. The residues of all three metal implements were detected on the bone surface, 0.3-10 mm from the fracture border. The presence of metal particles was confirmed in all samples struck with iron and copper and in two of six aluminium samples; no particles were detected on the negative control. Chemical composition of residues highly corresponded with the composition of applied bars.

Study of Skeletal Remains: Solving a Homicide Case with Forensic Anthropology and Review of the Literature

“…In order to evaluate the accuracy of identification of different kinds of lesions, incisions and other marks due to particular tools, analysis like blind or comparative tests have been realized employing SEM, Micro CT-scan and Epifluorescence Macroscopy [15][16][17][18]. In particular, Epifluorescence Macroscopy supplied accurate information characterizing different kinds of tools and providing high resolution data with non-destructive three dimensional visualization of the sample [18,19]. Concurrently, the acquisition of a three dimensional shape of a lesion employing the 3D Optical Digitalizer had performed better results about measurement efficiency, with an error rate of 0.05 mm, and speed than SEM and CT systems.…”

“…Concurrently, the acquisition of a three dimensional shape of a lesion employing the 3D Optical Digitalizer had performed better results about measurement efficiency, with an error rate of 0.05 mm, and speed than SEM and CT systems. This technique, allows performing 3D image acquisition with particular accuracy in terms of soft tissue lesions [18].…”

Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Gold-Labelled Immunochromatographic Strip Assay for the Detection of Ancient Wool

“…During the past several decades, there were a number of methods available for the identification of archaeological wools, such as scanning electron microscopy [ 1 , 13 ], Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [ 8 , 14 – 16 ], nuclear magnetic resonance [ 17 ], tandem mass spectrometry [ 18 ], and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [ 19 ]. However, archaeological wools have usually degraded into short fibres or even peptides, leaving microtraces in the soil.…”

Chemical Differentiation of Osseous and Nonosseous Materials Using Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy‐Dispersive X‐Ray Spectrometry and Multivariate Statistical Analysis

“…This has shown to be promising for material differentiation, but is limited for discriminating between materials with similar Ca/P ratios as bone such as mineral apatites, rock phosphates, and certain types of octocoral and brachiopod shells. Due to its high specificity, minimally destructive testing and small sample requirements scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) has been suggested as a method for performing such discriminations . Assessed for its utility in differentiating osseous from nonosseous materials, Ubelaker et al.…”

“…Although other methods have been assessed in previous studies, such as XRF, and some present field‐use potential, it is essential to examine the practicality of incorporating this method into forensic anthropological analysis. As SEM/EDX is already prevalent in many modern forensic laboratories and has current anthropological and archaeological applications such as analysis of trace metal residues on bone , it would be less intricate and more cost efficient to introduce than a method requiring new instrumentation or validation. In addition, the proposed method using SEM/EDX does not require advanced training or knowledge of analytical chemistry as the instrument provides clear results in the form of weight percent composition that can be processed using publically available statistical analysis software.…”