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Geochemical analysis of soils and sediments
Trace evidence: Soil
and sediments are a form of trace evidence that can provide valuable insight
into an investigation. They can be used to ascertain potential provenance, or whether a place or
person of interest may be excluded from an investigation.
Chemical analysis: The physical
techniques for assessing this form of evidence has been documented thoroughly
in the literature, however chemical analysis still requires more attention.
Chemical analysis is desirable for several reasons: it can be automated; it is fast; and
it allows for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of major and
trace elements.
Aims of research: My research aims to address the issues associated with the
geochemical analysis of soil and sediment evidence that are of mixed provenance
and from discrete locations.
Techniques used:
- ICP-MS and ICP-AES will be the main focus of the
research as they require a minimal amount of material to conduct the analysis
(0.1g) which is essential when working within the forensic domain.
- XRF will be used in order to compare accuracy between methods.
- IRMS will be used to establish if isotopes have the potential to discriminate between locations that are of close proximity to one another.
- QEMSCAN technology will be used to
ascertain to what extent sites may be discriminated and mixtures understood, based
on their mineralogy.
Establishing a protocol: There is currently no internationally accepted protocol
for the analysis of soils and sediments within forensic laboratories. My research will also look to establish a protocol for the collection, storage
and preparation of samples (as these can all have an effect on the results
obtained from analysis). It is hoped that by deriving a way to obtain accurate
geochemical signatures for samples, this information can be used in
conjunction with other forms of independent analysis in order to give a
meaningful and reliable interpretation of the evidence for use in a court of
law.