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Mass Spectrometry: Isotope Effect01:13

Mass Spectrometry: Isotope Effect

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Most elements exist in nature as a mixture of isotopes. The isotopes differ in weight due to their respective number of neutrons. The molecular weight of a molecule is different depending on the specific isotope of its elements involved. As a result, the mass spectrum of the molecule exhibits peaks from the same fragment at multiple positions. The positions of these mass signals depend on the mass differences between isotopes. Furthermore, the intensity of these signals is dependent on the...
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Tracing the source of methomyl using stable isotope analysis.

Byeong-Yeol Song1, Seongshin Gwak1, Minji Jung1

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Stable isotope ratio analysis traced the origin of methomyl, a toxic insecticide, in a fatal poisoning case. This method can identify insecticide sources in such incidents.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Pesticide self-poisoning is a significant cause of suicide globally, particularly in agricultural regions.
  • Methomyl, a highly toxic and prohibited insecticide in South Korea, is frequently implicated in self-poisoning incidents and criminal harm.
  • Investigating the origin of such substances is crucial for legal and public health purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the specific source of methomyl used in a fatal poisoning case in South Korea.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of stable isotope ratio analysis in tracing insecticide origins.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of methomyl from seized Soju bottles, gastric contents, and an energy drink from the victim.
  • Collection and analysis of nine different methomyl brands from the vicinity.
  • Stable isotope ratio analysis (carbon and nitrogen) using Gas Chromatography/Isolink/Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC/Isolink/IRMS).
  • Verification of results using linear discriminant analysis.

Main Results:

  • Isotope ratio analysis revealed similarities between the methomyl found in the victim's samples (Soju, gastric contents, energy drink) and a specific seized product, Samgong methomyl 2011 (SG11).
  • The findings strongly suggest that SG11 was the methomyl used in the fatal poisoning incident.

Conclusions:

  • Stable isotope ratio analysis is a viable and powerful tool for identifying the origin of insecticides in fatal poisoning cases.
  • This technique can provide critical evidence in forensic investigations involving pesticide-related deaths.