The preservation of quartz grain surface textures following vehicle fire and their use in forensic enquiry

Morgan, R.M.; Little, Mark W.; Gibson, Alexander; Hicks, L. J.; Dunkerley, S.; Bull, P.A.

doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2008.04.001

Cited by 16 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 19 publications

(19 reference statements)

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“…Due to the complexity of the structure and composition of geoforensic materials, which provide multiple criteria for comparison, there are a number of different ways in which geoforensic trace evidence can be described and classified 3,6,[12][13][14] . Typically, the techniques used to do this have focused on the physical or chemical characteristics of the mineral fraction of soil 12−14 , and are well established methods within the earth sciences for the purpose of studying the processes and events involved in the formation of the earth 13 .…”

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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“…Further, it is acknowledged by the authors that the use of SEM/ EDX, XRF and LIBS used in the manner described provides information on the bulk elemental composition of the soil samples and should not be used to determine the soil mineralogy. Soil mineral identification using these techniques is beyond the scope of this study and is covered by several authors [19,22,23]. At the stage in the examination process when evidential weighting is assigned or soil mineral identification is necessary requires knowledge of geology and expertise not routinely found in mainstream operational forensic laboratories.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soil examination for a forensic trace evidence laboratory – Part 2: Elemental analysis

Woods

Kirkbride

Lennard

et al. 2014

Forensic Science International

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“…Soil is the most frequently recovered environmental trace evidence due to its abundance in domestic and public locations and its tenacity to transfer and persist on a range of evidential items. The forensic study of soils and sediments encompasses the analysis of the physical, chemical, biological, and anthropogenic components of a sample using various techniques (Cox et al 2000;Ruffell and McKinley 2005;Morgan et al 2006Morgan et al , 2007Morgan et al , 2008Hawksworth and Wiltshire 2011). The individual properties of a soil sample have traditionally been observed using light and electron microscopy methods (Dawson and Hillier 2010).…”

Section: The Scope Of Forensic Geosciencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Empirical research addressing the dynamics of trace evidence in general, and diatoms more specifically, particularly their transfer, persistence, and preservation in a range of forensic scenarios, is essential to ensure the optimal collection, analysis, and interpretation of evidence later in an investigation (Uitdehaag et al 2010;Scott et al 2014). This foundation has started to be established in geoforensic trace evidence research, including quartz grain surface texture analysis and forensic palynology (Bull and Morgan 2006;Morgan et al 2008Morgan et al , 2014aMorgan et al , 2014b. These approaches offer an additional basis upon which to aid the interpretation of environmental trace evidence, enhancing the value of intelligence offered to investigators, and the overall assessment of evidential significance when applied to the individual circumstances of a case.…”

Section: Transfer and Persistencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Experimental studies have considered the impact of fire on the availability and quality of quartz grain surface textures and pollen grains in forensic investigation (Morgan et al 2008(Morgan et al , 2014a. The preservation of both evidence types has been disputed during individual legal cases, providing a sound rationale for empirical consideration.…”

Section: Experimental Study Two: Evidence Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

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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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The preservation of quartz grain surface textures following vehicle fire and their use in forensic enquiry

Cited by 16 publications

References 19 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

Soil examination for a forensic trace evidence laboratory – Part 2: Elemental analysis

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

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