Systematic analysis of post-blast organic traces in soil, application of color tests, TLC, GC-MS, and ITMS.

The post-blast trace analysis of explosives is inherently complex, requiring the separation and identification of multiple unknown compounds within contaminated matrices. The study explores modified methods for the extraction, analysis, and detection of post-explosion residues, of the three main organic explosives groups, focusing on key explosives such as NC (Nitrocellulose), NG (Nitroglycerin), Tetryl, TNT, RDX, PETN, as well as sheet and plastic explosives. A comprehensive protocol was developed, involving sample extraction, filtration, and clean-up processes, followed by analysis using a range of analytical techniques.