X-ray diffraction and field portable X-ray fluorescence analysis and screening of soils: project design

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary results of a study investigating the application of laboratory X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of soils as screening methods for forensic comparison and generalized provenancing. The study area is the Buffalo-Niagara metropolitan region in New York, a glacially draped area of the northeastern USA. For the initial stages of this study, soils are being collected from publicly accessible areas (parks, playgrounds, etc.) for mineralogical and elemental analysis. Initially, minimal sample preparation is being applied to create specimens. An investigation of the published literature reveals that there are a number of different suggested approaches for forensic application of XRD data, not all of which appear to be appropriate to the task at hand. The data being generated in this study are being used to build a reference set for comparison studies. In addition, two simulated forensic samples were collected to test the usefulness of XRD and XRF screening for determining possible regional source areas. For one sample this method was reasonably successful in identifying the general source area, while the results for the second sample were somewhat less satisfactory. In future additional sample handing and analysis protocols will be added.

Geochemical insight during archaeological geophysical exploration through in situ X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry

“…A non‐specialist should therefore consider XRF spectrometry as a qualitative tool for ‘anomaly spotting’, rather than interpreting the absolute values of the recorded concentrations. Bespoke calibrations are recommended if absolute concentrations are required (for example) for comparative archaeometric purposes (Scott et al , ) or where forensic analysis may lead to litigation (Bergslien, ; Ruffell & Wiltshire, ; Sbarato & Sánchez, ). Validation with laboratory analysis is also advocated since XRF scattering effects are minimized in powdered samples; furthermore, such samples represent a homogenized volume of material, therefore the measurement is less susceptible to ‘skin’ anomalies.…”

“…If the geochemical anomalies share a common source, it may be expected that their concentrations are correlated at positions along the transect. Following Bergslien (), correlation was classified using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ( r s ). Figure shows the correlation between different elements, with symbols coloured according to their distance along the transect.…”

“…Such in‐field equipment is particularly valuable in forensic cases (e.g. Bergslien, ) since the material under investigation must be uncontaminated by any sampling process. The use of field‐portable XRF spectrometers is reported for archaeological applications (e.g.…”

An overview of remote monitoring methods in biodiversity conservation

“…Due to the accessibility of various capture devices, a wide range of collected data through images, videos, audio, and other forms of data fast-tracked DL and AI development. The problematic method and reliance on organic experts to perform a small to large-scale monitoring of animals, plants, and insects became less challenging as automation systems have improved significantly over a short period (Bergslien 2013 ; Buxton et al 2018 ; Willi et al 2018 ) (Fig. 3 ).…”

A novel approach based on X-ray fluorescence and photon attenuation to the analysis of soils for forensic investigation

“…This technique combines particle analysis with Raman spectroscopy that can be employed to probe the molecular chemistry of specific particles of interest (Kammrath et al, 2018). Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry are other quantitative methods usually used to analyze soils (Bergslien, 2013;Nakai et al, 2013;Woods et al, 2014;Uitdehaag et al, 2017;Prandel et al, 2019;. These methods allow the investigator to map particles in terms of their mineralogy (Kikkawa et al, 2019).…”