Semi-automated scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry forensic analysis of soil samples.

Soil is commonly analyzed to provide evidence because soil particles adhere to almost everything that may be of forensic interest. Particles derived from soil can be quantitatively analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS). We developed a semi-automated SEM-EDS method for analyzing soil minerals.

Comparison and evaluation of the quick purification methods of methamphetamine hydrochloride from dimethyl sulfone for spectroscopic identification.

Methods to quickly purify methamphetamine hydrochloride from the cutting agent dimethyl sulfone for subsequent identification of confiscated crystalline samples using infrared absorption spectroscopy were compared and evaluated. Although sequential solvation and reprecipitation methods were simple, spectral contamination from dimethyl sulfone was inevitable and might affect the interpretation of the spectra. In addition, methamphetamine hydrochloride and dimethyl sulfone could form a solid solution because of solvation of both crystals into a single solution layer.