Analysis of trace evidence degraded by Aqua Regia solution via ICP-MS
Location
Poster Session 1 (Henderson Library)
Session Format
Poster Presentation
Your Campus
Statesboro Campus- Henderson Library, April 20th
Academic Unit
Department of Chemistry
Research Area Topic:
Natural & Physical Sciences - Chemistry
Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors
Dr. Shainaz Landge
Abstract
Destruction of crucial evidence from a crime scene often hinders or even stops progress in the field of forensic science. There is little research done on the effects of intentionally submerging evidence in concentrated acids in an attempt to destroy information, and there are no standardized tests for this process. This project focuses on using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine changes in concentrated acids containing various types of organic, fibrous, and metal samples. In addition to ICP-MS, pH, temperature, and visual changes will be included in analysis. Aqua regia, a solution of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids is used, known for its highly corrosive nature and its ease of accessibility and availability. Both acids are present in most laboratories, easily accessible online, and therefore provide a basic yet solid baseline for the study of acids used by offenders. It is expected that materials that decompose faster, such as hair and cotton textiles, will cause no physical changes to the acid once the reaction has completed, and only temporary chemical changes. Stronger materials such as bone and metal should provide significant detectable physical and chemical changes to the acid solution.
Program Description
Furthering forensic science by creating a method of analyzing materials degraded by strong acids.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Presentation Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Start Date
4-20-2022 10:00 AM
End Date
4-20-2022 11:30 AM
Recommended Citation
Dunbar, Alexandra H.; Joiner, Sadie; Kendall, D'Angelo; and Lupton, Kinsley, "Analysis of trace evidence degraded by Aqua Regia solution via ICP-MS" (2022). GS4 Georgia Southern Student Scholars Symposium. 38.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2022/2022/38
Analysis of trace evidence degraded by Aqua Regia solution via ICP-MS
Poster Session 1 (Henderson Library)
Destruction of crucial evidence from a crime scene often hinders or even stops progress in the field of forensic science. There is little research done on the effects of intentionally submerging evidence in concentrated acids in an attempt to destroy information, and there are no standardized tests for this process. This project focuses on using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine changes in concentrated acids containing various types of organic, fibrous, and metal samples. In addition to ICP-MS, pH, temperature, and visual changes will be included in analysis. Aqua regia, a solution of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids is used, known for its highly corrosive nature and its ease of accessibility and availability. Both acids are present in most laboratories, easily accessible online, and therefore provide a basic yet solid baseline for the study of acids used by offenders. It is expected that materials that decompose faster, such as hair and cotton textiles, will cause no physical changes to the acid once the reaction has completed, and only temporary chemical changes. Stronger materials such as bone and metal should provide significant detectable physical and chemical changes to the acid solution.
