Analysis of soils in a forensic context: Comparison of some current and future options

Abstract

The increasing number of sophisticated techniques available for application to forensic, environmental, and forensic environmental investigations raises questions about their relative discriminating power, and the relative cost and return. A number of different variables including ease of use, availability, relative cost and admissibility in court should be considered to determine a hierarchy of techniques for aiding selection by investigating authorities. Of recently developed techniques, confocal RAMAN, laser induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) are considered for their potential for cost effective discrimination of soils. Outcomes of comparisons between techniques suggest that a hierarchy of techniques can be developed, which may change with each case depending on the resources available and the needs of the investigation.