Simple and Sensitive Method for Sampling, Extraction and Determination of Lead Barium and Antimony in Gunshot Residue Samples

Thanakorn  Pluangklang; Charoensak  Lao-Ngam; Chutima  Pluangklang; Areerut  Rimmai

doi:10.14456/nujst.2023.40

Authors

Thanakorn Pluangklang Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
Charoensak Lao-Ngam Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
Chutima Pluangklang Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
Areerut Rimmai Police Forensic Science Center 3, The Royal Thai Police, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30310, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/nujst.2023.40

Keywords:

Sampling, Extraction, GSRs, GFAAS and Firing time

Abstract

The determination of elements typically found in gunshot residues (GSRs) such as Lead (Pb), Barium (Ba) and Antimony (Sb) plays an important role in the forensic investigation of firearm-related events. The present work developed a simple and highly sensitive method for sampling, extraction and determination of those elements by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS). The factors that might influence the efficiency of the sampling and extraction were investigated. The studied results showed that 100 µL of 5% HNO₃ was sufficient for a single cotton swabbing. The extraction of Pb Ba and Sb was performed by using 1% HNO₃ for 30 min at room temperature. The figures of merit from the proposed method in aqueous solution and optimum conditions presented a highly sensitive of 1.31, 3.70 and 0.42 µg L^-1 limit of detection and high accuracy of 99.48±3.02%, 99.42±6.15% and 97.21±3.90% of recovery for the determination of Pb, Ba and Sb in GSRs, respectively. The proposed method was applied for the forensic study. Under optimal sampling and extraction conditions, the GSR samples on the back of the hands of the shooter after shooting at various times were determined by GFAAS. Friedman and t-test statistical results showed that the amounts of all elements significantly decreased over time after firing and different cleaning conditions at a 95% confidence level. It was found that Pb, Ba and Sb from the hands after washing with tap water had been observed up to 3 hr after shooting. The developed sampling and extraction methods are beneficial and help to identify the criminals.

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