Lead Isotope Ratio Determination for the Forensic Analysis of Military Small Arms Projectiles

Abstract

A study focusing on the ability to utilize isotopic analysis of Pb used in small arms projectiles from varying geographic origin was undertaken using the GV Instruments Isoprobe multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. With the exception of two classes of ammunition, these samples were able to be distinguished from one another. Also, following rigorous normalization and mass bias correction, these data were compared to data collected by geochemists in localities corresponding to projectile manufacture. This comparison was successful when projectiles in certain economically isolated countries were analyzed. Pb isotopic analysis with MC-ICPMS is shown to be useful as a tool for distinguishing between ammunition of various manufacturing origins.

Lead isotope ratios for bullets, forensic evaluation in a Bayesian paradigm

“…Earlier work has described rather significant variation of the observed isotopic composition of bullets within a single box, but no attempts to give a realistic model of these variations has been provided. [20], [19].…”

“…Further, NRC suggested that lead isotope compositions of bullet lead should be further investigated. Earlier work on lead isotope determination of bullet lead have not focused on either descriptive statistics nor evaluation of bullet lead evidence [17], [18], [19], [20].…”

Lead Isotopic Compositions of Atmospheric Suspended Particulate Matter in Nagoya City as Measured by HR-ICP-MS

“…Thus, the measurements of lead isotope ratios attract much attention in environmental, biological, archaeological, and geological sciences. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) has been the method most generally used to obtain precise isotope ratios. However, the TIMS measurements are quite time consuming and require an initial chemical separation step carried out under very strictly clean laboratory environment to avoid contamination.…”

Application of laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the measurement of calcium and lead isotope ratios in packaging for discriminatory purposes

“…Recently, laser ablation coupled to multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS) has been used to provide high accuracy S isotope ratio measurements to identify counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs 10. Pb isotopic analysis using MC‐ICP‐MS has been shown to aid geographical/manufacturer sourcing of small arms projectiles 11. The potential of LA coupled to a sector field ICP‐MS instrument as a routine, rapid and reliable, analytical methodology for fingerprinting sources of Pb in forensic investigations involving paint samples from different mining sources has also been reported 12…”

“…10 Pb isotopic analysis using MC-ICP-MS has been shown to aid geographical/manufacturer sourcing of small arms projectiles. 11 The potential of LA coupled to a sector field ICP-MS instrument as a routine, rapid and reliable, analytical methodology for fingerprinting sources of Pb in forensic investigations involving paint samples from different mining sources has also been reported. 12 Coated cardboard paper is widely used as a packaging material for all kinds of products including pharmaceuticals.…”