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Preparation and Application of a New Bacterial Biosensor for the Presumptive Detection of Gunshot Residue
Published on: May 9, 2019
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Gunshot residue preservation in seawater
Anne-Christine Lindström1, Jurian Hoogewerff2, Josie Athens3
1Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Forensic Science International
|June 27, 2015
Summary
Gunshot residue (GSR) persists longer on bones in marine environments, especially above the waterline. Decomposition affects GSR detection, but methods can still identify it on submerged or decomposed bodies.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Environmental Forensics
- Ballistics
Background:
- Limited understanding of gunshot residue (GSR) persistence in marine decomposition.
- Need for data on GSR retention in soft tissue and bone gunshot wounds (GSWs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate GSR persistence in soft tissue and bone GSWs during marine decomposition.
- To provide qualitative and quantitative data on GSR retention in various marine environments.
Main Methods:
- Bovine ribs (fleshed and defleshed) were subjected to contact range GSWs with .22 calibre ammunition.
- Specimens were placed in submerged, intertidal, and supralittoral zones for 38 days.
- Analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Main Results:
- GSR-indicative particles were found on all bone types across all environments.
- GSR-unique particles were exclusively detected on supralittoral bone specimens.
- Submerged defleshed specimens showed faster GSR loss than intertidal and supralittoral.
- Intertidal fleshed specimens exhibited faster GSR loss than submerged and supralittoral.
Conclusions:
- GSR dissipates more rapidly in submerged and intertidal marine environments compared to non-submerged conditions.
- Defleshing eliminates differences in GSR detection between soft tissue and bone.
- Microscopic and analytical techniques can detect GSR on decomposed bodies in marine settings, aiding GSW investigations.
