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Graphite furnace atomic absorption elemental analysis of ecstasy tablets.
Holly E French1, Michael J Went, Stuart J Gibson
1School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NH, UK.
Forensic Science International
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Analysis of seized ecstasy tablets revealed significant variations in metal content, with barium levels effectively distinguishing between two batches despite differences in 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) concentration.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Ecstasy tablets are illicitly manufactured, leading to unpredictable compositions.
- Understanding the elemental profile of ecstasy can aid in forensic investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the concentration of six metals in seized ecstasy tablets.
- To investigate if metal content can differentiate between ecstasy batches.
Main Methods:
- Digestion of ecstasy tablets using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
- Quantification of copper, magnesium, barium, nickel, chromium, and lead using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS).
Main Results:
- Significant intra-batch variations in metal concentrations were observed for all analyzed elements.
- Batch 1 showed higher 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) content than Batch 2.
- Barium concentration was the only significant differentiator between the two batches, with Batch 2 having higher levels.
Conclusions:
- Elemental analysis of ecstasy tablets, particularly barium, can serve as a valuable tool for forensic differentiation of drug batches.
- The high variability in metal content underscores the uncontrolled nature of clandestine drug manufacturing.
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