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Published on: February 9, 2019
Objective color measurement of forensic soil samples using a spectrophotometer in the Nirasaki area, Yamanashi
Kento Kumisaka1, Hitomi S Kikkawa1, Koichiro Tsuge1
1National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-0882, Japan.
Abstract:
The visual assessment of soil color is a key component in forensic soil analysis. Soil colors, observed after sequential treatments to decompose organic matter and remove iron oxides, provide essential information for initial screening because they reflect soil-forming factors. However, color determination can be subjective, influenced by the examiner's experience and individual perception. To address this, the study used a spectrophotometer for objective soil color measurement. Soil samples from around Nirasaki, Yamanashi Prefecture were analyzed using the spectrophotometer, and their colors were compared with those on the Munsell soil color charts. Our results demonstrated that the spectrophotometer exhibited high repeatability, and the soil colors identified by both the Munsell soil color chart and the spectrophotometer were comparable. Additionally, the changes in soil color after pretreatment were consistent between the two methods. Therefore, the spectrophotometer is suitable for use in forensic soil examinations. The discrimination power obtained from the spectrophotometer was higher than that from the soil color chart, likely owing to differences in discrimination thresholds. Therefore, soil color comparison methods should remain consistent in the same cases to ensure reliable results.
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