Isotope ratio method: state-of-the-art of forensic applications to CBRNE materials

Abstract

The threat of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) events is a serious challenge worldwide. This threat is aggravated by the prevalence of potential CBRNE materials normally used for industrial and scientific purposes. One potential deterrent to the use of CBRNE materials for nefarious purposes is the ability by law enforcement to attribute interdicted threat materials in terms of their provenance and linking them to people, places, and events. Isotope Ratio Method (IRM) is a technique that utilizes ratios of different isotopes of particular elements present in an investigated material to determine an isotopic signature of that material. A survey of the literature has been conducted in order to consolidate the state of current knowledge on the forensic application of IRM specifically to CBRNE materials. This review is intended for both researchers and policy makers to help identify gaps in knowledge and to determine the strategic direction of research and development to advance the application of IRM in the general arena of public safety and security.