Rapid analysis of gunshot residues with single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Robert Brünjes (Corresponding author), Jan Schüürman (Corresponding author), Frank von der Kammer (Corresponding author), Thilo Hofmann (Corresponding author)

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

Gunshot residues (GSRs) from different types of ammunition have been characterized using a new method based on single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-TOF-MS). This method can analyze thousands of particles per minute enabling rapid sample screening for GSR detection with minimal sample preparation. GSR particles are multi-elemental nanoparticles that are mainly defined by the elements lead, barium, and antimony. Sp-ICP-TOF-MS was also used to identify other elements contained in GSR particles while standard particle classification protocols do not consider the complexities of GSR compositions and can therefore miss out on valuable information. The proposed method can be used to support existing GSR detection methods, especially when lead-free, antimony-free, or tagged ammunition has been used; it also provides a possibility for multi-elemental fingerprinting of GSR particles.
Original languageEnglish
Article number111202
Number of pages9
JournalForensic Science International
Volume332
Early online date19 Jan 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2022

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 105906 Environmental geosciences

Keywords

  • ICP-TOF-MS
  • multi-element analysis
  • nanoparticles
  • elemental fingerprints
  • handguns
  • ammunition
  • INSTRUMENT
  • nanoparticles elemental fingerprints
  • ICP-MS

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