Forensic comparison of soils by bacterial community DNA profiling
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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Determination of Microbial Biomass in Soil using Digital Droplet PCR (ddPCR)
Published on: April 24, 2026
Jacqui Horswell1, Steve J Cordiner, Elizabeth W Maas
1The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua, New Zealand.
Abstract:
This preliminary investigation has shown that a soil microbial community DNA profile can be obtained from the small sample of soil recovered from the sole of a shoe, and from soil stains on clothing. We have also shown that these profiles are representative of the site of collection and therefore could potentially be used as associative evidence to prove a link between suspects and crime scenes. Soil community profiles were obtained using the T-RFLP fingerprinting method that uses fluorescent primer technology and semi-automated analysis techniques similar to those used in human DNA profiling in forensic laboratories.
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