Detection of Gunshot Residue in Blowfly Larvae and Decomposing Porcine Tissue Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

• NCJ Number: 231207
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 624-632
• Author(s): Lisa LaGoo, M.S.; Luther S. Schaeffer, M.S.; David W. Szymanski, Ph.D.; Ruth Waddell Smith, Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 9 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Forensic Sciences Foundation
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 18-23, 2008, in Washington, DC.

Annotation

Blowfly larvae and porcine tissue contaminated with gunshot residue (GSR) were collected during summer and winter months, over a 37-day and a 60-day sampling period, respectively.

Abstract

Wound samples were microwave-digested and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the detection of antimony, barium, and lead. During summer, the 37-day sampling period encompassed all stages of decomposition, except skeletonization. The three elements were detected in larvae only on days 3 and 4 after death but were detected at significant levels in tissue samples throughout the entire sampling period. In winter, no significant decomposition was observed throughout the 60-day sampling. Although temperatures were too low for blowfly activity, the three elements were detected in the tissue samples at relatively constant, significant levels. Hence, GSR determination in tissue was more dependent on decomposition stage rather than time since death. 2 tables, 5 figures, and 13 references (Published Abstract)